The story of Job is a fascinating one. Here is a man who faced terrible tragedies; yet, he responded with such incredible faith.

One day while Job was eating, a messenger arrived and told his master that all of the oxen and donkeys had been stolen, and that his servants had been killed. While the first messenger was talking, a second arrived and told Job how lightening had killed all of his sheep and servants. Then, a third messenger rushed in and told him how his camels had been taken and his servants murdered. Finally, a fourth messenger carried the worst news of all: his sons and daughters were eating dinner when a great storm blew in causing their house to collapse, killing them all.

What an incredible tragedy! To lose all that you have in one day--one hour. Your dreams, shattered. Your hopes, shredded. The overwhelming despair and discouragement must have been tremendous. Yet, here's how Job responded:

"Then he bowed down to the ground to worship God" (Job 1:20b).

What? Worship God? In the midst of all that trouble and loss, he was worshipping God? If I were Job, I probably would have blamed God. After all, he could have stopped it, and he didn't. He allowed it to happen.

When it comes to panic attacks and crippling anxiety, I never blamed God directly, but I have said in my heart, "Lord, you have the power to take this away, but you haven't." I blamed God indirectly.

How could I worship God in the midst of these attacks? They are too devastating. Too debilitating. Too crippling. Too much for me to handle. Then I look at Job. He lost it all; yet, he worshipped God. And verse 22 goes on to say that "in all this, Job did not sin or blame God." He did not blame God. What a powerful statement!

Let me encourage you today to look deep into your heart. Who do you blame for your panic attacks? Do you blame yourself? Why do you blame yourself? Because God didn't make your mind strong enough to deal with these?

Do you blame your family? Maybe your mother or father? Do you indirectly blame God for allowing you to be born into that family?

Ask God to show you if there is any area in your life that needs healing. God can cleanse and heal your soul if you will just open your heart to him. He is the God of restoration. Let him start restoring you today. Just as Job was completely restored, you too can be completely restored in Jesus.

Blessings!

Russell

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|  Russell Pond     <><
|  Season of Peace
|  email:  ponder@season.org
|  web:    http://www.season.org

© Russell Pond 1999
Reprinted with permission