Physical suffering brings tears and fears. Up at night, we join Job in turning to God: “My heart is heavy on account of my groaning” (Job 23:2) “and now my soul is poured out within me; days of affliction have taken hold of me. The night racks my bones, and Read more
I’ve begged God for healing over many years of progressively worsening illness, so Job feels like a fellow chronic illness friend to me. He dealt with chronic pain and visible skin issues that were itchy, infected, and gross. He had no appetite and lost weight, with fevers and breathing challenges. Read more
Perhaps this is one of the deepest universal questions, driving us into cognitive dissonance when suffering lingers. When layers of grief and loss take us under, we can barely breathe. We feel like Job. But when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, darkness came (Job Read more
Father, We’re easily tempted to dread future suffering. Just flipping on the news will do it! We all need Your help. In Isaiah 12, You prepared Your people for upcoming suffering. In their case, You would judge their many years of sinful turning away from You. But You were mercifully Read more
Heavenly Father, Like with Job in his suffering, the enemy continues his wearying lie, “Did God actually say?” (Genesis 3:1). Moments of doubt and fear can creep into our thoughts when we’re gripped in the lonely pain of suffering. “Doesn’t suffering mean that my faith has failed? That I have Read more
As we suffer this Christmas, let’s remember what is true, sister in Christ. Will you join me as I interrupt my suffering with praise to Jesus? I call it a “praise interruption,” turning around to praise our Lord, within our lament over all that is painful. Like the lament Psalms, Read more
Lord of heaven and earth, I confess that sometimes I fear the enemy is winning. I confess that I can easily think he is Your equal. Our accuser tempts me with lies, thinking that You are not all-powerful over the enemy and evil. He tempts me to disregard Your power Read more
Lord, when we fear what might happen, help us to exalt You. Remind us who You are, stir us to reverently worship You, and keep us in rightful awe of Your unchanging character. This “fear of God” also soothes our fears as we walk into the scary things ahead. Why? Read more
Oh Father, I am grieving today. Loss surrounds me. My dreams, my plans, my abilities, my desires. Those I love, things I love, experiences I love. I am allotted months of emptiness, and nights of misery are apportioned to me (Job 7:3 ESV). Like Job, it feels like loss is Read more
My God, I’m feeling so much like Job today. I am not at ease, nor am I quiet. I have no rest, but trouble comes. I need Your help and strength just for basic life tasks. How can I get through today? “Day by day, and with each passing moment,” Read more
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