THE WORD FOR TODAY FRIDAY 23 NOVEMBER, 2018. TRUST GOD’S UNCHANGING CHARACTER

“I catch no glimpse of him.” Job 23:9 NIV

SOMETIMES YOU will not sense God’s presence. Those are difficult times. In the midst of trouble, Job said, “If I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him” (vv. 8-9 NIV). Job felt far from God. Yet in spite of his inability to feel God, he resolved, “He knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (v. 10 NIV). Difficult days demand decisions of faith. David said, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you” (Psalm 56:3 NIV). When you can’t understand the ways of God, trust in the unchanging and loving character of God. Go through your Bible and make a list of the character qualities of God, and keep them on hand for tough days. One author writes: “My list reads like this: ‘He is still sovereign. He still knows my name. Angels still respond to His call. The hearts of rulers still yield at His bidding. The death of Jesus still saves souls. The spirit of God still indwells saints. Heaven is still only heartbeats away. The grave is still temporary housing. God is still faithful. He is not caught off guard. He uses everything for His glory and my ultimate good. He uses tragedy to accomplish His will, and His will is right, holy, and perfect. Sorrow may come with the night, but joy comes with the morning.’” In changing times, stand confidently on the unchanging character of God.

Bible In A Year: Gen. 4-6, John 12:20-36, Ps. 102:12-17, Pro. 30:21-23