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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I praise you today as the “Father of lights,” for every good and perfect gift that I enjoy comes from you (James 1:17). Job rejoiced in the memory of how richly you had blessed his life. That’s the kind of God you are—you delight to shower blessings on those who love and serve you. “Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. Praise the Lord!” (Ps 113:5, 7, 9). Today in Your Word Today you told me about Job’s final words in defense of his integrity. Job began by fondly remembering the happiness and glory of his past life (Job 29). Then he gave a vivid description of the misery and disgrace of his present calamity (Job 30). Job concluded with a detailed, formal oath of innocence (Job 31). In these chapters you give me a behind-the-scenes view of what you meant when you said that Job was a “blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil” (Job 1:8). Reflection Job’s oath of innocence is a personal challenge to me. Can I look in the mirror of Job’s words and measure up to his integrity? Have I made a “covenant with my eyes” (Job 31:1) to avoid looking on others with lust? Have I “rejoiced at the ruin of him who hated me, or exulted when evil overtook him”? (Job 31:29). Can I say that I have kept myself from falsehood and deceit? Request Father, help me to love others, “not in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). Remind me that “if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” (1 John 3:17). Give me the grace I need to put my good intentions into action and to respond in obedience to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Thanksgiving Thank you for showing me that it’s possible to live a holy and blameless life before you. If Job can do it, so can I! I’m grateful that you are working in me, giving me the desire and power to do your will (Phil 2:13). I truly can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “I Want a Principle Within” by Charles Wesley. Meditation Verse: Job 31:4. |