The Upper Room Devotion for Thursday , February 15, 2024, was written by Benda Williams of Washington.
Scripture
7 “Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty? 8 It is higher than heaven —what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know? 9 Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. 10 If he passes through, and imprisons, and assembles for judgment, who can hinder him? 11 For he knows those who are worthless; when he sees iniquity, will he not consider it? 12 But a stupid person will get understanding, when a wild ass is born human. 13 “If you direct your heart rightly, you will stretch out your hands toward him. 14 If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and do not let wickedness reside in your tents. 15 Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be secure, and will not fear. 16 You will forget your misery; you will remember it as waters that have passed away. Job 11:7-16 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
As I was recovering from shoulder replacement surgery, all was going well - that is, until I broke out in shingles. Anyone who has ever experienced shingles knows that the pain and general misery are a nightmare. I confess I was angry at God.
I could relate in a very small way to what Job experienced. And, like Job, my prayers began with "Why?" I was already extremely uncomfortable after sugery, and now this festering annoyance was getting worse each day! "Why, God? What am I supposed to learn from this?"
I'm happy to say that the shingles wounds have healed, and my shoulder works better than ever. But I still don't understand what all that pain was supposed to teach me. Surely there is much in my life and in the world that just doesn't make sense. Sometimes we are not given the answers to our "why" questions, but we can trust that God is with us. We can cry out to God with what we don't understand and know that God loves us still.
Pastor Anthony's Thoughts
Friends,
I encourage you to reread Brenda's reflection, that you might find peace and insight to your own "Why" questions.
Author's Prayer
Loving God, help us to keep trusting you when our lives seem to be overly burdened. Strengthen our spirits, and walk with us through our struggles. Amen.
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