Job 22:21
“Agree with God, and be at peace;
thereby good will come to you.
The summary of the book of Job in three sentences....can I do it? Well, can I do it without dangling metaphors and run on sentences is really what I mean.
Job was a righteous man, like you and I (if you know Jesus), who was tested beyond the worst country song, ever written. He ponders, wonders, and laments over the world and its injustice, while his friends who meant well (at least in the beginning), made assumptions on why all of this befell him. God interrupts and after conversation with Job, restores all he lost and doubles the blessing.
The end.
The good thing about a devotional or a post, is I get to rework it to fit into the three sentences! Had to keep telling myself bare bones, just the facts, ma'am, just the facts!
The scripture above is one of Job's friends, Eliphaz. Now, the man went too far, didn't understand, and in the end repented for how he behaved. Thank goodness for grace! If you haven't read the post on grace, check it out from September 2021. Both Job and God gave it to Eliphaz in the story. And my assumption is Eliphaz gave some to himself.
If Eliphaz had stopped right here, he would have said just enough.
Agree with God. Now that's good stuff. Even if I don't understand the why, the how, the when, agree with God. Agreement means I believe what he says. God plus one is a majority.
There's one hitch in this. In order to agree with God, I need to know what He says. You need to know what He says. I can listen to others about what He says, but my recommendation, look it up for yourself. Then agree with it. It's true.
Psalm 12:6
For every word Yahweh speaks is sure and reliable.
His truth is tested, found to be flawless, and ever faithful.
It's as pure as silver refined seven times in crucible of clay.
Agreement is like a handshake, a covenant. It will happen. It's the pact, the pinky swear.
How do I know it's true? Because I have experienced it for myself. The more you experience Him and the effects of His life giving word, the more you learn the truth. What flows from that naturally is peace. I can trust Him at His word.
Psalm 139:6-11
This is just too wonderful, deep and incomprehensible!
Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength.
Where could I go from your Spirit?
Where could I run and hide from your face?
If I go up to heaven, you're there!
If I go down to the realm of the dead, you're there too!
If I fly with wings into the shining dawn, you're there!
If I fly in to the radiant sunset, you're there waiting!
Wherever I go, your hand will guide me;
your strength will empower me.
It's impossible to disappear from you
or to ask the darkness to hide me,
for your presence is everywhere, bringing light into my night.
And then from agreeing with Him, good will come to you!
Agree with it.
If you agree with His word, receive, it's yours. Be at peace.
John 14:27
I leave the gift of peace with you-my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don't yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts-instead, be courageous!
Words to live by and RECEIVE. Agree with God and good will come to you.
Psalm 32:11
So celebrate the goodness of God!
He shows this kindness to everyone who is his.
Go ahead-shout for joy,
all you upright ones who want to please him!
Here is an excerpt of the Goodness of God, by Bethel Music
Listen to it, it's so GOOD!
I love You, Lord For Your mercy never fails me All my days, I've been held in Your hands From the moment that I wake up Until I lay my head Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
And all my life You have been faithful And all my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
I love Your voice You have led me through the fire In the darkest night You are close like no other I've known You as a Father I've known You as a Friend And I have lived in the goodness of God (yeah)
And all my life You have been faithful (oh) And all my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God (yeah)
'Cause Your goodness is running after It's running after me Your goodness is running after It's running after me With my life laid down I'm surrendered now I give You everything 'Cause Your goodness is running after It's running after me (oh-oh)
Believe and receive.
In His Care, KTWL