09.13.06

(In Remembrance of 9/11. Originally sent September 17, 2001.)

Look, I go forward, but He is not there, And backward, but I cannot perceive Him; When He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him; When He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him. But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food. - Job 23:8-12.

If anyone had a reason to be depressed it was Job. If anyone ever had a reason to be upset with God, it was Job. Job had lost everything, except, his wife and he probably wished she had gone with the rest. Job’s wife told him to curse God and die.

Job not only lost his family and material possessions but, he also lost his health. Job suffered miserably from his physical condition. His friends were against him. His wife was against him. But, Job continued on.

In the face of all of that, Job continued. Job did not understand why all this had happened but he continued to trust. Job did not know where God was during all of this but Job continued to trust. Job did not know why but Job knew that God knew the why. So, Job continued. Job continued to trust God, to obey God, and even to praise God.

Many have been hurt by the terrorist destruction in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania. Across this country - family members, friends, and fellow Americans are grieving. But, life goes on and we see God is giving strength to go on, to rise up out of the devastation. He is giving us strength to continue to live life.

Before we give up, before we throw in the towel, let us take our eyes off of our problems, and put them on God. He can give us the strength and the courage to face whatever life may throw our way. Let us trust Him. Let us look up! Let us say with the Psalmist, "My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I WILL LOOK UP (Psalm 5:3).”