I will preface this as it is very late, just past the midnight hour and I am fighting to stay awake and the reality that my 4:30am alarm is going to be ringing soon. Reading and writing a daily scripture reflection has become important for my own growth daily. I do not want to do it just because I have to do it. That being said, I am struggling tonight so here is my best effort, God willing.
I was fascinated with today’s first reading from Job 38:1 – 40:5. Job was a good man who loved the Lord. God permitted Satan to test Job and as I have written about recently, Job went through more than I think any of us could possibly handle.
God addresses Job with many questions, which would put Job and all of us in our place if we are filled with pride. It was the last question and answer that fascinated me. The Lord said to Job … “Tell me, if you know all: Which is the way to the dwelling place of light, and where is the abode of darkness?” And now, a message to me from the mouth of Job … “Behold, I am of little account; what can I answer you? I put my hand over my mouth. Though I have spoken once, I will not do so again; though twice, I will do so no more.”
I am nobody. I do much better when I shut my mouth, listen more, pray and love. My opinion does not need to be known unless it is truly God speaking through me. Pride is a terrible sin and when I think my plan is going to work without consulting and discerning the Lord’s will in the Holy Spirit, I act a fool. Today, I seek to follow the words of Job and put my hand over my mouth. Lord help me. Your will be done.
Seeking To Reflect Jesus 
Learning the arts of silence and listening are key to bringing down Pride. Believe, I know, as I have long struggled with pride. As Fenolen puts it “A humility that is still talkative needs to be carefully watched.”
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Amen, Mike! Something of which I have to constantly remind myself! We learn more by listening than by speaking.
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I’m a little sensitive to this sort of thing, since the “You’re nobody,” claim was used against us in the cult. I think there might be a place for it but we have to be careful. And I don’t think you’re nobody. For example, you have a palpable presence here that I would miss if you were to stop writing.
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Sensitive I should be. I really didn’t mean it as such but more as to compared to God as Job was reflecting. Thanks for sharing and your very thoughtful comment!
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I struggle with this all the time, I think we all do, though I am getting better. I am from the south after all, so verbal usage is kind of a inherited thing! 🙂
I think there is a time to speak and a time to stay quiet. I also believe our biggest problem is when we want everyone including God to agree with every single thing we say, when they don’t, that is when all the emotions begin to rise within ourselves. God, after all Job had been through did not greet Job, with, “Oh, Job I am so sorry and you are so right. This should have never been done to you.” God met him more or less with, “Who are you to question one thing that I have or have not done?”
I think this is what needs to be remembered when we are going through our own trials. “Who are we to question God?” Then the hand needs to go over the mouth. (Though easy to write, hard to do.) God Bless, SR
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