Spiritual Thoughts of Faith and Human Understanding

One of the most significant challenges I face is when I am provided the opportunity to interact with difficult people. I say these moments are opportunities, yet they bring me momentary grief. Opportunities can come when I ask simple questions. They appear with selective client interactions with some family members, and with acquaintances and strangers. They are sudden, sometimes loud, and can also be manipulative. They leave me in shock, wonder, and amazement. And I walk away, highly perplexed. Then with a warm cup of tea, I later accept these events as prospects to learn more about myself. I say this because I can only allow inner anthropology to be effective in me. What others do or say regarding my persona have nothing to do with me. I only take up the shovel for me as I listen to God only through His words.

In these moments of great confusion, I go to the poetic books of the Bible. Mainly these books are the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. I don’t usually go to Song of Solomon, though an essential and God-infused book, it does not offer me what I seek during tough times. The wisdom books are highly spiritual and provide me with sweet relief.

The tenor of Job discusses God’s power over His people then and now. His ability to work supernaturally is shared in these ESV-represented verses, 5:9; 9:10; 37:5; 37:23; and 42:2. In His words, we see:

• who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number: (5:9)
• who does great things beyond searching out and marvelous things (miracles) beyond number. (9:10)
• God thunders wondrously with his voice; he does great things that we cannot comprehend. (37:5)
• The Almighty—we cannot find him; he is great in power; justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate. (37:23)
• I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. (42:2)

These verses declare God’s strength and providence. His dominion over Satan is seamlessly shown in the book of Job. His magnificent power over nature is also experienced when this book of the Bible is read and understood as intended. And His ability to reveal life in anyone who knows Him is likewise displayed. His words are humbling, and like Job, I confess to whatever discomfort I cause. Discomfort that may bring forth the types of behaviors I described above. And, if I am not responsible, I confess, anyway. This, a gentler form of digging, I gladly offer myself to search, discover, and continuously transform. I am likewise reminded, miracles today, come with deep prayer and only in God’s timing. 

Twice last week, friends asked me if I ever sleep. This question was based on the idea that I have much in the cast iron pan at this moment. My answer was, YES! I sleep between seven to eight hours each night. I believe I can do this while making time each day to study God’s words and listen to several Biblical lessons and sermons. From a growing Christian standpoint, I don’t waste my time on any addresses, read any book, or created perceptions not directly shown in the Bible. From a psychological and human conduct view, I make time every week to listen to some opinions of people who do not follow true Biblical principles. You know, those who believe they should be heard. And I often move from these presentations not with criticism, but more so, I wonder why and how. Why— often leads to the idea that people are hurt, and how— leads me to think that no one took the time to care. Such as to listen to hurt like God did with Job and to care to release him from Satan’s deceit. So, I hang on, take mental notes, try to understand the root cause of some actions, know that some actions of others in daily life directed at me, are not always about me. And I care enough to watch still and pray upon them.

Life can be complex. It can also be very difficult at times. However, I know where to go to find the answers. If you are not certain, go to the Bible anyway and be sure to align yourself with a good expositor of God’s words. I also suggest the website Got Questions, here. There’s so much to be learned from the Bible when we hold the viewpoint of wanting to know what was initially intended. Let’s listen to and learn only this truth!

I’ll see you in March.

With love,

Char