My Bible reading schedule has me reading through Job right now.
This passage from Job 23 has struck me, again.
I can just picture Job standing on his ash heap like a soldier at attention and saying that though his world seems to be falling apart, he knows he is being held in the loving arms of his Saviour.
I've been talking with our kids about hard times in life.
God does ordain them, but He is there. He knows what He has planned. He understands our moods......And eventually in our Christian growth we get to the place where, though we don't enjoy the heat, we relish the Refiner's fire; knowing it is for our good and growth and for His glory.
God is with me....
He knows the way I take
and when He has tried me I shall come out as gold.
My foot holds fast to His steps
I am keeping His way - I am not turning aside
I am not departing from the commandment of His lips.
I treasure the words of His mouth more than my portion of food
He is unchangeable
What He desires, He does
For He will complete what He has appointed for me and my family.
and many such things are in His mind.
Therefore I am terrified in His presence.
When I consider Him I am in dread.
God has made my heart faint
He has terrified me
Yet I am not silenced because of the darkness
nor because thick darkness covers my face (Job 23: 10 - 17 - paraphrased by me)