Job 1-5

This is the Bible I am using this year.  I am not going to get as in depth as I want to because I am reading a quick Chronological Order this year.  I will post (when I can) the answers to the devotions in my Bible.

"To Know God Is to Trust God"  Job 2:9-13

1.  How have you responded to bad news in the past?  With praise?  Anger?  Despair?  Confusion?

I, typically, respond to bad news in complete confusion.  In my mind to stay sane balance is a must- so if I am doing all the right things then I should have a normal good life.  I know that isn't necessarily practical or true, always, but that is how I live right at this moment.  So when something goes wrong I tend to be confused and look for a way to fix it or get away from it if it can not be fixed.

2.  Job knew God well enough to turn to him in grief.  How deep does your knowledge of God go?  How close is your heart attuned to his?

Actually after listening to a VERY brief explanation of Job I am not entirely certain Job was turning to God or not.  He doesn't actually address or speak TO God but rather ABOUT God.  But maybe I being picky....Job has got to be next second hardest book in the Bible for me to wrap my mind around.  I know I will never know much about God while in this life, but I will not stop trying.  I pray that my heart is attuned to His.  This is the very reason I am feeling compelled to read the whole Bible again.

3.  How might going through tough times or experiencing pain and grief help someone know God?

Because from our perspective it seems like God is being arbitrary about who will experience grief and pain we feel forced to DO something- even if that something might be nothing.  We might turn to our own strength and knowledge.  We might turn to a trusted friend.  But when we surrender and turn it to God that is when we grow the most fruitful.  Tough times keep us humble.

"Silence Is Golden"  Job 2:9-13

1. Has there ever been a time when you were grieving or struggling and someone's advice or comments were like pouring salt on a wound?  How did it affect you?

I can't recall a time in my life when I was grieving or struggling and someone's advice or comments were like pouring salt on a wound.  I usually assume people want to say SOMETHING comforting even though it may not feel comforting at the time because I am so consumed in my own grief.  As of right now I have been so blessed that thankfully grief and suffering haven't been a big thing in my life.  Sometimes when I get advice I just furrow my brow and go- "Well maybe that worked for you, but I doubt that will work for me."

2.  What was the most helpful thing that anyone has ever done for you during a time of loss or great struggle?

One time when I had a new baby, a toddler, and a preschooler and the baby (Lucy) would spit up- A LOT!!!  It was so bad she was losing a weight and everything smelled bad and there were multiple showers and clothes changes a day.  A woman I didn't know super well came to my house and washed and folded 3 or 4 loads of laundry for me!  That was the most helpful thing for a young mom- EVER!

3.  How can you show support to someone you know who is struggling?

UGH!!!  I ask myself this all the time.  I am so shy.  I SUCK at regular social events- forget trying to show support to someone I know who is struggling.  I wrestle with the fact that people are not like me- not everyone is great at dealing with grief alone (which how I consider myself)-  I don't know- everything seems so trite and meaningless.  My heart feels like it is being squeezed when I try to think of an answer for this because I am HORRIBLE at empathy and sympathy.  WHY?  Why can't I be better?  Doesn't God want me to be better at this?  Right at this exact moment I am googling "how can I feel empathy for others".  I won't have time to tell you my findings but I have 5 min.to just try.  Dear God, help me.