Feeling like Job

Some of you might remember when I turned 29 I was determined to make this year the best year of my life. I am absolutely dreading 30, and I really wanted this last year to be unbelievable - filled with pure Joy and happiness.

God had a different plan.

This past year and a half has literally been the hardest of my entire life. In October of 2011, my father's business burned down. Every single memory we had in that building was gone in a better of minutes. Not to long after that, in June 2012, my Uncle Jeff passed away very unexpectedly. In July, our oldest great dane, Cooper Dooper Sheeler went into congestive heart failure and went to doggie heaven. In September, my mom had a massive heart attack and also passed away. And now, my grandfather has just passed.

Honestly, I feel like Job.

Do you remember his story? 

Job chapter one pretty much sums up what happened. Job was a God fearing man that lived a "blameless and upright" life. God had blessed him greatly for he was prosperous with large herds, 7 sons and 3 daughters, and servants. One day Satan came to God from walking to and fro on the Earth. Satan tells God that Job is only righteous because God has put a hedge around him and his household. Satan believed that Job would curse God if He were to strike down everything he had. So God let Satan have power over Job and his household. He could do anything except lay a hand on Job himself. So Satan wipes out basically everything Job has - his herds of animals, his servants, and even his entire lineage (all 10 children). When Job finds out that everything he had was gone in just an instant, he does was most people (including me) would never do. He tore his robe, shaved his head, and worshiped. 

He worshiped.

During the most difficult time in his life, he worshiped God instead of blaming Him, questioning Him, or even cursing Him. He worshiped. 

Its hard. Its hard to understand why God lets bad things happen to people, and especially hard to worship God in a time of distress. 

On my way to 365 days of Joy, I have found that...

           It is not easy to be Joyful every day.

           Prayer is your best friend. 

           The Bible will give you answers.

           Joy can be found in every single situation, including bad situations.

           God's plans are better than your own plans.

Today I am Joyful for life. God gave me and everyone I love, Life. 

            Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return.

            The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away, 

            Blessed be the name of the Lord.  -Job 1:21