Volume 131: Rest in Job

 

Earlier this year, I peeked ahead in our Everyday Gospel reading plan to see what books of the Bible we would be reading during the summer at camp...

"Oh dear..." I thought... "JOB???? That will be rough..." 

Not the most uplifting or encouraging or fun read... especially during one of the hardest couple weeks of our ~job~.

Yet, this past week, we finished Job. And to my surprise, it was actually really good for me to read and think about, even in the peak of the summer. Crazy how Scripture is always full of truth and relevant reminders eh??

We're all familiar with the story of Job, but I was thankful for Paul David Tripp's commentary throughout the book.

For chapters 29-31, he wrote, "When trouble overtakes us, it is natural for complaint to be our default language. And this default language tends to silence prayer. Complaining to yourself doesn't lift your soul or motivate you to persevere in the darkness. Grumbling to ourselves and others becomes a doxology of bitterness, replacing the language of prayer with the language of spiritual dissatisfaction.

Prayer acknowledges the harsh realities of the moment. It confesses our an inability to alter what is not under our control and it cries out to the one who is in control and has the power to intervene. Prayer builds the soul. It reminds us of God's existence and presence, the very things that darkness seems to cloud. 

May God give us grace in the darkest moments of trouble to lift our cries and complaints to Him and He may use our prayers to remind us that He is near, that He hears us and that our hope is found in Him."

Complaint as a default language... Silencing prayer... Reading that hit me hard. At camp, I am tested in my patience and joy more easily because I am so tired and worn thin. Sometimes it even feels as if complaining is the way to bond... But, that is obviously not benefitting anyone...

As PDT alluded to, complaining does no one any good! It just makes things worse! Mainly because it takes the focus off of God and onto ourselves.

And that has been something I had been doing these past couple of weeks... focused inwardly rather than on God and the people around me. 

Becoming numb in the decision process about work. 
Feeling frustrations about small things. 
Battling the temptation of regret. 
Struggling with pride and comparison seeping in.

And then... as she often does best... Debbie called me back to my senses. "You know when you are your best? When you are focused on others. You thrive and the people around you also thrive." I am thankful for that loving challenge. 

After this conversation, the next morning in our reading, we read Job 37:14 - "Stop and consider the wondrous works of God."

And that morning, I was humbled. O God, even just taking a moment to stop and consider your works, I immediately get overwhelmed because you are so good. I cannot comprehend your greatness. Open my eyes and heart to all that you are doing! 

I love the way that Job honestly struggles in his faith - questioning, doubting, and expressing confusion. Yet, he never lost faith! And God never left His side! Through much wrestling and back and forth, Job is able to come to the conclusion that God is still good! And there was restoration! 

From grumbling to glorifying! 

The same reset I so desperately needed! 

From grumbling to glorifying! 

The wondrous works of God surround us so evidently every day at Camp Ozark.
Campers experiencing independence and freedom and learning about God!
Our staff being stretched and growing and serving!
Permanent Staff working together, unified to execute one common mission!
The smiles and laughter and joy and dancing and singing and playing and friendships!

From complaining and losing patience and getting easily frustrated. To giving thanks and loving well and serving with joy. 

Because at the end of the day, God is good! And He has never forsaken me! And He has good plans for me! 

May I surrender and trust Him! 

And now, we are reading the Psalms! A lot of Psalms in one day but a bit easier to consume than Job!

This morning, Psalm 16 says "I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore!"

AMEN! 

Orientation and first session are officially complete! I am excited about the rest of the summer and my future with OLI! Leaning into the confidence of the truth that God goes before me! In all things! And I find the best kind rest in that!

This photo was taken to send to Eddie to apologize for the fact that when Bailey was her camper, she shoved her to ground and pretended to stomp on her... God bless Eddie eh!

But this photo is posted here to acknowledge that Bailey is the hardest worker I know and leads by example. And it's an example I have been following this summer! 

She never procrastinates.
She takes on things that are not her responsibility.
She never complains.
She never wants recognition.
And she does everything out of a heart of gold!

#BeLikeBailey