An honest look at reality

"Gird your loins like a valiant man." Job 38.3

As he tried to understand the cause of his losses, his sufferings and his problems, Job complained, asked himself questions and analyzed the situation. All sorts of possible explanations jostled in his head. Finally God responded by encouraging him to pull himself together and behave "like a valiant man."

Be honest, with yourself and with God, it is only at this price that you will have a personal, intimate relationship with him.

God did not want Job to disown or conceal what he had said or thought. He did not want to hear him apologize for his words or behavior. God simply wanted Job to be honest, to stand before him, knowing that God knew the truth perfectly concerning his sayings and thoughts.

How hard are people to adopt such honesty in their lives ! They are like Adam and Eve, who tried to hide when God put them face their sin. God did not want Job to have the same reaction. He wanted him honest and true, looking at reality in the face. Eventually, Job was fully restored. However, this recovery began with this face-to-face encounter with God, who asked him to make honest and sincere introspection about his life.

Be sure today to maintain an honest relationship with God. Do not try to hide your sins from her or to pass over in silence what you actually thought, said or done. Let him probe your heart and reveal the truth about you. Do not give in to the temptation to defend yourself or to justify your actions. Look rather your life in front "like a valiant man". Be honest with yourself and with God ! It is at this price only that you will have a personal, intimate relationship with him.

Then let it help you face the reality of your words, your deeds and what is in your heart. Let him teach you the truth, about yourself and about him and accept that he changes you !

A prayer for today

Father, probe my heart. Reveal to me all sin in my life. Purify me. Forgive me. Help me to hear your voice, to please and to serve you. Lead my life. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

John Roos

Source (The Thought of the Day)