Trouble Comes
For my sighing comes instead of my bread, and my groanings are poured out like water. For the thing that I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me. I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, but trouble comes.”
Job 3:24-26
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Trouble Comes
Often, at what seems the most inopportune time, trouble finds us. Running late for a meeting…flat tire. Have an assignment due in the morning…printer won’t work. We have all had these or similar situations happen. They are frustrating and annoying, yet we get through them. But what we read from Job today is different. Job has gone through something none of us would ever wish upon anyone else. And the very thing Job had dreaded, God’s favor being taken away from him, had happened. He can now see on the horizon the real trouble coming for him, the devil, the world, and his own sinful flesh. Job understands it is God alone who has blessed him and who can protect him. Yet now when he needs Him the most, Job feels as if he has been abandoned by God. Had Job stayed in this though he would have been lost, but God did not abandon him. A withholding of a blessing does not equate to abandonment. Instead, Job will eventually draw closer to God and rest in His care. As St. Paul teaches us, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph 6:12). So it should be with us as well. When the adversary attacks, we do not rely on earthly weapons, but turn to God for protection. We defend ourselves with God’s Word and are strengthened through His Sacraments. For as surely as the sun rises anew each morning, the devil, the world, and our sinful flesh charge fourth each day, ready to engage and entice us into abandoning God. It is precisely at these times when we cling ever tighter to the cross of Christ, knowing His blessing of forgiveness, strengthening of faith, and life eternal are ours. Troubles come and troubles go, we rest secured in Christ Jesus, the ever-present Rock of our salvation.
Job 3:24-26
+
Trouble Comes
Often, at what seems the most inopportune time, trouble finds us. Running late for a meeting…flat tire. Have an assignment due in the morning…printer won’t work. We have all had these or similar situations happen. They are frustrating and annoying, yet we get through them. But what we read from Job today is different. Job has gone through something none of us would ever wish upon anyone else. And the very thing Job had dreaded, God’s favor being taken away from him, had happened. He can now see on the horizon the real trouble coming for him, the devil, the world, and his own sinful flesh. Job understands it is God alone who has blessed him and who can protect him. Yet now when he needs Him the most, Job feels as if he has been abandoned by God. Had Job stayed in this though he would have been lost, but God did not abandon him. A withholding of a blessing does not equate to abandonment. Instead, Job will eventually draw closer to God and rest in His care. As St. Paul teaches us, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph 6:12). So it should be with us as well. When the adversary attacks, we do not rely on earthly weapons, but turn to God for protection. We defend ourselves with God’s Word and are strengthened through His Sacraments. For as surely as the sun rises anew each morning, the devil, the world, and our sinful flesh charge fourth each day, ready to engage and entice us into abandoning God. It is precisely at these times when we cling ever tighter to the cross of Christ, knowing His blessing of forgiveness, strengthening of faith, and life eternal are ours. Troubles come and troubles go, we rest secured in Christ Jesus, the ever-present Rock of our salvation.
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January
The Arm of GodSigns and PromisesThe Calling in Your HeartOur Active GodAmazing HelpThe Purpose of BaptismHave Courage to BelieveToo Soon ForgottenThe Unexpected ChangeSustained by TrustHe Who Bears All SinsA Wonderful VictoryWhen God SpeaksOur Faithful ShepherdThe Purpose of ScriptureOne Little WordThe Supreme ConsolationA Thorn in the FleshNever Doubt RedemptionThis Is the VictoryLet Your Faith Be FirmA Pure Dwelling PlaceBuilding an Eternal HouseGlorious PromisesNoble and Necessary ChastisementOur New MotivationGod Will Preserve His ChurchGod's Will, Christ's PurposeOur Savior DefinedFalse Saintliness
February
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