The story of Job is a fascinating one. In his first wave of tribulations, four messengers came to his house while he was eating. The first told how enemies took his oxen and donkeys and executed the servants tending them. The second told of how lightning killed his sheep and more servants. The third told how the Chaldeans stole his camels and murdered still more of his servants. Then, the fourth messenger carried the worst news of all–a great storm killed all his sons and daughters.
What a tremendous tragedy! To lose all that you have in one day–one hour. The despair must have been overwhelming. Yet, here’s how Job responded:
Then he fell to the ground in worship” (1:20b).
What? Even in the midst of all his troubles, Job worshipped God? Even when his friends mocked him for it, Job worshipped God? And the Bible goes on to say that in all this, Job did not sin by blaming God (1:22). Personally, I think I would have blamed God. After all, he could have stopped it. He allowed it to happen.
I have never directly blamed God for my panic attacks, but I have said in my heart, “Lord, you have the power to take these away, but you haven’t.” I blamed him indirectly.
How can I worship God in the midst of these attacks? I would wonder. They are too devastating, too debilitating, too much for me to handle.
Then I look at Job.
Prayer: Father, I know you have a plan for my life. I am sorry if I have ever blamed you for the fearful, fleshly condition of my mind. Show me the areas of my life that need healing. Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or release. You are the God of restoration–you alone can cleanse and heal. Begin restoring me today.
