Today’s Reading, Job 17-20
Focal Scripture: Job 19:8-9 “He has blocked my way so that I cannot pass through; he has veiled my paths with darkness. He has stripped me of my honor and removed the crown from my head.”
The hard part about going through difficult seasons is being transparent. Job has no problem with doing that. He has friends who showed up but they wanted to solve the problem instead of just being present. This led to contention and strife.
Here we see Job respond and his honesty is refreshing. He says that God has blocked his way and he can’t pass through. He can’t see the next steps. His honor is gone along with his crown. Job is expressing brokenness and brutal transparency. He is hurting and want to know why.
One of the best things we can do as believers is be honest with our struggles. When we are transparent we show that we know how to suffer and that suffering is not in isolation. To many times believers respond with “I’m fine” when they really aren’t.
Being honest means you can get support. It means you can be prayed for by others. It also means people who have been through what you have can offer support. Openness breeds community. This doesn’t mean you share the gory details. It does mean you’re honest.
I encourage you to respond honestly when you’re struggling. It will minister to others and help you process.
Tomorrow I plan on reading Job 21-23
