Read through the Bible in 2 years: Job 21; Psalm 25

In the 21st chapter of Job, Job wrestles with God as he watches the wicked prosper. Why were their animals multiplying and their flocks of children running and playing and singing, while his own house and fields had been wiped out.

Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever prayed for God to give you a running vehicle so you can get to work while your annoying co-worker keeps bragging about her new minivan? Have you ever pleaded with God to give you a friend while your gossipy neighbor has a house full of companions? Have you ever begged God for a child while you watch a story on the news about a woman who threw her own baby in the dumpster?

I remember how hard it was to go to baby showers for my friends after losing my baby boy. I remember how hard it was to hear about others whose children were so quiet and obedient while mine were outspoken and headstrong.

Frankly, there is no 3-step solution to answer all your questions, no quick pill to take away all your pain, but there is hope and wisdom to be found in drawing near to God and His Word. We must remind ourselves of the simple truth that none of us are good, no not one. All of us are wicked. Our wickedness may look different from that co-worker or neighbor or woman on the news, but none of us deserve God’s great blessings of food and friendship and family.

We must also remind ourselves that this world is not our destination, we are all just passing through. One day judgement will come. One day all things will be made right. Ultimately, the greatest blessings in this life are not found in expensive cars or rich food or abundant friends or even in a house full of children and a happy marriage. Rather, the greatest blessings in life are found at the feet of Jesus. The blessings of joy and peace and purpose are abundant, eternal blessings both in this life and the life to come.

If I had to choose between a mansion with a Lamborghini in the driveway or a life focused on Christ, I’d choose Christ every time.

Remember your mercy, O LORD,
and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.
Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love Remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD!”

Psalm 25:6-7 ESV

Let’s pray,

Oh Lord God, Remember your mercy and steadfast love – for they have been from of old.

Remember not the sins of my youth nor the sins of my old age. My transgressions are many, but Your mercy is indeed more. Rather, O Lord, remember me according to Your steadfast love — for the sake of Your Name and Your goodness.

Your Name is indeed great and Your Goodness is without end. I know that You are good. I know that You are just. I know that You are faithful and true. Help me to remind myself of what I know to be true about You, about me, and about my neighbor.

I pray that You will bless others – my family, my friends, my neighbors, my enemies – with a knowledge of the truth – that You are full of justice and grace. I pray that You would save them today, Lord, that they might turn away from their sin and receive forgiveness, that they might know Your love which is better than life.

I pray, also, for my own sinful heart. Please, Father, encourage me. Remind me of how greatly I have been forgiven. Let me not be like that unmerciful servant who pointed a condemning finger, focusing on the speck in his brother’s eyes, while forgetting how greatly he had sinned against You, our holy and merciful king.

It is in the name of Jesus Christ, my Redeemer, that I pray. Amen.