Morning Moments

Today is Devotional Post 500. They represent my time alone with the Lord. It is my prayer that you will find whatever you need in one or more of these Morning Moments. If I can ever be of any furthur help in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Job 30:31
“My harp is tuned for singing a sad song, and my flute is tuned for the sound of loud crying”

Sometimes friends can be anything but friends. Take Job’s friends for example: Each viewed his problem differently, yet each on displayed somewhat of a “holier than thou” attitude. Now don’t misunderstand me. We do have a responsibility to comfort each other. Paul wrote to the Corinthians in his second letter, “And HE is the God of all comfort. He comforts us every time we have trouble, so that we can comfort others when they have trouble. We comfort others with the same comfort that God gives us.” (2 Cor 1:3-4) That is the key to comfort.

Our opinions about what others are going through are of little importance. Folks in trouble do not need pampering, but they do need encouragement from other saints. Even when the trouble is self imposed, our ministry should be one of reconciliation and edification.

Job’s friend were putting him down, not pulling him up. That is the difference. Paul said to the Galatians, “If a brother be overtaken in a fault, ye who are SPIRITUAL should restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering yourselves also lest you be tempted.” What each friend says may, as with the case of Job, contain elements of truth, but we never completely understand why the friend is having this trouble. We see through a glass darkly now. We may or may not learn later.

“Singing the Blues” is a natural and normal of life regardless of who you are: Kings and Queens do it, Stars do it, and athletes do it too. We also do it from time to time. That is why I find such solace and comfort in the Psalms which are so enriching and encouraging. It is the humanness of the Psalmist that brings hope to our situations. We MUST NOT however, stay where we are and build a monument to our hurt. We cannot set up camp and entertain ourselves with things that feed the blues.

If you song is sad and your eyes are wet with tears, know this…you are in good company. Now patiently endure and surround yourself with friends who will give you godly instruction and encouragement, but who will insist that you not remain where you are. These are the kind of friends who don’t merely quote pious platitudes and belittle you for your “lack of faith”, but true Christian friends are those who believe in you and help you to believe in you once again. They will bear the burdens with you because they love you with the love of Christ. They will bless you and build you up in the most holy faith.

That is the kind of friend each of us should be.

BLESSINGS!