Night Songs

Job wrote, "People cry out under a load of oppression; they plead for relief from the arm of the powerful.  But no one says, 'Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night'" (35:9-10).  The gist of his words is that while people cry out to God in their struggles, they tend to cry out questioning why He would allow their calamity and plead with Him to bring an end to it, rather than seek God in the struggle.

There is a distinct difference in crying out to God and crying out for God.  In the one case, we assume that our problem is misplaced and needs to be fixed or we need to be removed from it.  In the next case, we assume that God has something in store for us that comes as we endure the hardship and travel down that stretch of bad road.

The second notion is that of James the brother of Jesus who said, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (1:2-4).

The biblical reality that both Job and James are teaching is that God being in control can control the outcome of adversity.  And, even in situations where we can see nothing good arising, we are promised that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Rom 8:28).

Looking back, I can see how God has been walking with me, providing me strength, giving me wisdom, developing my faith, increasing me as disciple of Christ, not in spite of the challenges but through and in the challenges.

Your financial difficulty may be an opportunity to develop your trust in God.  Your loss may enrich your appreciation of what you have.  Your pain may increase your perseverance.  The very obstacles you are facing right now may be stepping stones to a better you.

God does provide songs in the night - melodies that bring us increase in and through a dark time.  Rather than cry out for relief from the struggle, why not try crying out for release in the struggle - release of the power of the Spirit to cover you and cause you to lift up your head knowing that God's got this and that He has you, that He can bless you in the middle of the storm.  Jus' Say'n.