SATURDAY STROLL

Welcome to "SATURDAY STROLL!"

In these posts I will be interacting with Scripture – making it a conversational walk of faith.

Sometimes we'll be talking with Jesus, sometimes God will be talking with us.

There might even be *guest appearances* by some of our beloved characters from the Bible!

So put on your walking shoes – you know we can all use the exercise!

A DIALOGUE FOR TIMES OF TESTING

I'm afraid my complaint is rebellion. But it is still a bitter one. Not that I'm bitter, Lord. I'm not resentful (maybe a little) – but life is a bitter pill to swallow – difficult to accept, often unpleasant.

I try hard not to groan aloud. But Your hand is heavy despite my groaning.

Why, Lord?

I just don't get it. It is so hard to understand You when life is difficult – when I have turmoil – when loved ones are suffering – and circumstances are impossible.

Oh, if only I knew where to find You, where You might be. If I knew that, I might come to Your seat! Yes, I would go to Your court.

I would present my case before You, laying it all out. And I would fill my mouth with my arguments.

Then I would listen to Your reply. I would learn the words that You would answer, and perceive and understand what You say to me.

Would You contend with me?

Would You use Your great power to argue with me?

No, surely You would pay attention to me. Surely You would give me a fair hearing…

…wouldn’t You?

So, I search for You.

I go forward, but You are not there. I go east, You are not there. I move backward, but I cannot perceive You. I go west, but I cannot find You.

When You act on the left, I cannot behold You. I do not see You in the north, for You are hidden. When You turn on the right, I cannot see You. I look to the south, but You are concealed.

Where are You, Lord?

Why are You silent when I need You?

Why are You hidden when I need You?

Why do I feel so alone…when I NEED You?

But I am consoled and comforted and strengthened by this one Truth.

You know the way I take. You know where I am going. And when You have tried me, tested me, I will come forth as gold – pure and unblemished.

For I have stayed on Your paths. I have held fast and followed You. I have not turned aside.

I have not departed from the commands of Your lips. I have treasured the words of Your mouth more than my necessary food.

But You are unique.

And You're a little (a lot) scary, Lord.

Once You've made a decision, who can change Your mind? What Your soul desires, whatever You want to do, that is what You do.

I know that you will do to me whatever You have planned. You will perform that which is appointed for me.

You control my destiny.

I guess my heart struggles with Your sovereignty, Lord.

And sometimes I am just so scared, and hurt, and despairing.

Darkness is all around me – thick, impenetrable darkness is everywhere. Deep gloom covers me.

But I am not silenced by the darkness.

NOR AM I.

LORD!

I will bring You through the fire and make you pure. I will refine you like silver and purify you like gold. When you call on Me, I will answer. I will say –

"This is My child."

Will you trust Me?

Oh Lord, I had only heard about You before, but now I have seen You with my very own eyes.

You are the LORD, my God.

I AM.

(From Job 23, Zechariah 13, Psalm 139, and Job 42 - NASB and NLT translations)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"