August 28
Job 28:1-30:31; 2 Corinthians 2:12-17; Psalm 42:1-11; Proverbs 22:7
It is very easy for our emotions to lead our lives. We can allow our feelings to drive our actions rather than allowing facts to rule us. There is a great visual of a “fact-faith-feeling train” (googling it might help you see what I am trying to describe) which shows what God wants to rule our actions. God desires that we place our faith in the facts (Christ's life, death, resurrection, etc.) and allow this to drive our lives with the hope that our feelings will follow behind. Notice the situation that Job, Paul, and the author of Psalm 42 find themselves in. Job is experiencing grave sorrow and suffering, Paul has "no peace of mind" and the psalmist says, "Tears have been my food". It is probably not difficult to reflect on a time in your life when you were in that place.
Notice the commonality between all these people. Instead of simply turning inward to their sorrow and pain, they turn to God. Job longs for God to respond to his prayers, anguish, and questions. Paul continues to respond to God with an attitude of "thanks" despite his confusing circumstances. And the psalmist recognizes that he needs God as desperately as a deer needs water. They all turn to God because they recognize how desperately they need him. He is the only one who can make sense of their circumstances, and the only source of wisdom and hope. Therefore, as we seek God every day let us make God’s character and truth what provides the bedrock for our lives.
Father God, thank you that you are the source of all good things and the only one who can bring wisdom and hope into my life. Help me to regularly pursue you out of desperation knowing that you are the one I need. Help my feelings to drive me to you rather than away. Thank you for your presence and that when I seek you, you will be found. Amen.
Question of the day: In what ways do your feelings keep you from pursuing God as passionately and regularly as you should?
It is very easy for our emotions to lead our lives. We can allow our feelings to drive our actions rather than allowing facts to rule us. There is a great visual of a “fact-faith-feeling train” (googling it might help you see what I am trying to describe) which shows what God wants to rule our actions. God desires that we place our faith in the facts (Christ's life, death, resurrection, etc.) and allow this to drive our lives with the hope that our feelings will follow behind. Notice the situation that Job, Paul, and the author of Psalm 42 find themselves in. Job is experiencing grave sorrow and suffering, Paul has "no peace of mind" and the psalmist says, "Tears have been my food". It is probably not difficult to reflect on a time in your life when you were in that place.
Notice the commonality between all these people. Instead of simply turning inward to their sorrow and pain, they turn to God. Job longs for God to respond to his prayers, anguish, and questions. Paul continues to respond to God with an attitude of "thanks" despite his confusing circumstances. And the psalmist recognizes that he needs God as desperately as a deer needs water. They all turn to God because they recognize how desperately they need him. He is the only one who can make sense of their circumstances, and the only source of wisdom and hope. Therefore, as we seek God every day let us make God’s character and truth what provides the bedrock for our lives.
Father God, thank you that you are the source of all good things and the only one who can bring wisdom and hope into my life. Help me to regularly pursue you out of desperation knowing that you are the one I need. Help my feelings to drive me to you rather than away. Thank you for your presence and that when I seek you, you will be found. Amen.
Question of the day: In what ways do your feelings keep you from pursuing God as passionately and regularly as you should?
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