In a hole? This Sunday in the Old Testament reading Job says “If only I could vanish in darkness, and thick darkness would cover my face"! Job 2:17 Have you ever wanted the earth to swallow you up? We are certainly not alone or unique in this. I think many of us have had that feeling. Maybe it's because we did something that was embarrassing or shameful. Maybe one of our deep dark secrets came to light. Whatever the reason, we wish that we could just hide…disappear…become invisible. If we could crawl into a hole we would. Job has come to this place not out of embarrassment or shame, but out of anger, fear and despair. He would complain to God about the bitterness of his situation if he could only find him. But he feels completely cut off. No matter where he looks, he cannot sense God's presence. What I find amazing about this, is Job’s boldness in wanting to lay his complaint out before God. And the reality is that in giving voice to it he already has. In fact, there are a number of places in the scriptures where God's people voice their anger, fear, disappointment, and heart ache. They seek God's justice and mercy and question why he is silent. And yet, scripture tells us time and again that God hears the cries of his people. And so, we continue to trust…to hope in God. Perhaps you've walked through a season in your life when you've wondered where God was...why was He remained quiet or was seemingly absent. Maybe like Job, one of the prophets, or the psalmist you have laid out your complaint before the almighty. And perhaps you too have been answered with silence. Perhaps like job you also have reached the point of despair and wish that the darkness would swallow you up. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 It is hard to remember when we are in dark places that we can still trust…hope in God. Perhaps even harder to rejoice. Rejoice...no matter what the circumstances because our hope is not based on what is going on (or not) around us, but rather it is found in our life hidden away (swallowed up) in Christ! In this hope we can find the power to be patient even in difficult circumstances. For me this often means surrendering my anger, my impatient fears, and the desire to always be in control. This act of surrender opens the door for God's grace to give me the patience I need. This patience (endurance) "produces character, and character produces hope." Romans 5:4 Job certainly had his share of tribulations. And yet in the midst of them he continued to seek God. What are the "tribulations" in your life that God may be using to produce endurance--character--and ultimately hope?
Finally, to be constant in prayer. We have laid our complaints out before God…we have cried out to him in our despair. Let us also come patiently waiting before the Lord...a way of "praying always." And as we are constantly patiently praying (even rejoicing), may we find that we are being changed and transformed in hope! Blessings,
Matthew+ Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (BCP p.234) | 
