Job responds to Bildad by asking him by what right does he judge Job. Zophar then returns to his original argument asking why Job does not just ask for forgiveness. Zophar tells Job that the wicked always come to ruin. Job then asks Zophar why Zophar is unwilling to let Job complain to God. Job’s final response to Zophar is “how can you comfort me? All your explanations are wrong.”
In the last year there was a big to do about some of Mother Theresa’s personal writings. It appears that there were long periods in her life when she doubted God and felt removed from his presence. Many people looked on these seasons of doubt as a negative. How could Mother Theresa doubt?
The truth is that all of us will experience dark periods when we feel removed from the presence of God. St John of the Cross called these times “the dark night of the soul.” When we experience our dark nights it is okay to tell God that you feel far away. It is okay to tell God that you are frustrated and angry. It is okay to feel separated from God. The dark night of the soul is a time to test our faith and help us grow.
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The theme of youth group tonight was “hope”. We listened to some personal stories of hope; stories from some kids lives about how they dealt with tragedy, sorrow, and depression. Then we gathered in our small groups and tried to talk. Most of the discussion was supposed to be based on Psalm 42. In the midst of despair we can rely on God’s presence.
I love the middle school guys in my small group. I can see their growth since the beginning of the year. However, I still often leave frustrated that I couldn’t get them to pay better attention. I don’t ask much from my mostly 7th grade group, and I really do think that they are getting something out of it, but I get frustrated that they just can’t listen. The spend more time on scatological humor than on the lesson. It’s frustrating.
But they are 7th graders. I love them even when they are acting like 7th graders.
God,
Be with each of these guys this week as they go to school spend time with their families and friends. Use the time we have together to be a springboard that launch them into a closer relationship with you. Thank you for bringing them into my life and for all the things they teach me. Give all of us hope in you as we move forward in life.
Thank you God, Amen.
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