Day Seven Back: Tues 24th Sep
Reflecting on Job: Chapters 12, 13
Something that I’ve always had, but have lost in recent days, is my vision.
In whatever season I’m in, wherever I am in life, I’ve always had a prophetic vision of where God is taking me. I now realise that for the past two weeks, I haven’t had any. What lies ahead is a dark smog, and I am afraid. I must choose: to lean on God, or to fade away. The missing vision points to two possibilities. Either there is nothing left for me, or I’m on a journey, and God is now putting me in a position where I have nothing but His grace and truth.
I have chosen to lean on Him, and take it day by day.
Today seems to be a better day. I woke up with about nine hours of sleep, something I rarely get. Had a nice lunch at P.S Cafe Harding road and went to get the watch I inherited from my dad last Friday serviced.
I remember looking at it as a child: an 1991 Omega Constellation Day date, stainless steel silver, with a white dial and golden hands. As I got older, it became just about the only thing I wanted to inherit from my dad. Now, it’s mine.
I’ve lived much of my life looking backwards, and I wonder how this 1991 Omega from the past can be a significant symbol of the future. Perhaps it tells of old dreams, old callings, being restored and made new.
In Job 12, Job speaks with sarcasm to his friends, saying “wisdom will die with you” – as though they alone were wise. He then illustrates that their understanding and approach of the situation lacks depth and breadth.
I believe we experience much of this: judgment based on the superficial. It’s frustrating. Here, Job, who days before had a clear view of his life that he loved, is arguing with his unhelpful friends after losing everything. I believe that similarly, here Job can no longer see into the future and all he can do is take care of what’s present: dealing with his truly crap friends. I wonder if this sets fire to his resolve, rather than forcing him further into depression. How can we use others’ negative words as fuel to build into what’s next?
In Chapter 13 verse 4, he says that they whitewash with lies and that they’re worthless physicians. Whitewashing in those times meant repairing something broken by smearing it with a material that would both bond the pieces and seal the cracks. He is saying they’re attempting this without any actual understanding of God, or Job himself.
How do we find the resolve to go on when we feel like we have nothing left? How do we fight our current battles without vision or hope of what’s next? How do we fix our eyes on God and place our full dependence on Him?
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, as much as I believe that my current lack of vision is purposeful, I ask that You speak to me words of hope that point to a bright future. Despite having this gift, you gave me (vision, the prophetic), I can no longer see, and I am afraid. I surrender this fear to you and submit myself to what You have for me right now. Help me to find resolve in the now as I look to you. I love you and praise You, my King.
