Daily Reading: 10 July

(from www.christianaid.org.uk)

Turning towards God

Something to read

You have heard of the endurance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

- James 5:11 from full reading James 5:7-12.

Something to think about

James, writing ‘to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion’ calls them to remember Job in the time of their own trials and suffering. To dig deep and find the endurance of Job in their own being. The phrase the ‘patience of Job’ is common parlance when in fact Job was far from patient.

He clenched his fists and shouted at God in his time of trial, demanding that God show up and account for the suffering and loss he was experiencing.

The thing to note is that even in his suffering he turned towards God and not away. He knew the events that were happening around him did not equate to his behaviour past and present and in confidence he braced himself for the response of the one he wished to hold to account.

James encourages that same honesty from us now – the endurance that despite the circumstances of conflict, suffering and loss of life on migrant ships, to turn towards God and remind ourselves that the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

Something to do

Pray and stand with those who are waiting for their rights to be realised, waiting to move from camps or communities where they have been displaced to, waiting to return home. 

Something to pray

Compassionate Lord,

help us to keep looking to you,

especially in times of trial and suffering,

mindful of your mercy.

Amen.

Today’s contributor is Wendy Lloyd, faith communications coordinator for Christian Aid.