Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes. (Job 42:6)
At five years old, my son had to have his first filling. To be exact, he had to have five fillings. We didn’t know it at the time, but this knowledge caused him extreme anxiety. As the doctor began drilling, my young child began flailing his legs in the air and trying to pull on the dental assistant’s hands to prevent her from doing her work. He was uncomfortable with what was happening and did not trust that it was for his good. His inability to sit still and allow the work to be done actually prolonged this experience and his discomfort.
Sometimes suffering comes as a natural consequence of our choices, like a lack of good brushing. Other times it is due to reasons outside of our control. It is normal when we feel immense pain to want to flee from the discomfort or question if the pain is worth it. Like Job, we may be realizing that the more we complain and blame God for our present circumstances, the more hard-hearted and bitter we become. Instead of holding on to him, we push him away.
Through Job’s life we see the power of repentance and trusting God even when we do not understand. Though we may complain bitterly and question God’s goodness, there is still time to admit our foolishness and turn back to trusting in the Great Physician.
Admit your lack of faith and trust God again.
Heather Mazellan is a student at Wesley Seminary, a thankful wife, and a joyful mother to three kids.
© 2021 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
