Morning & Evening Devotional Saturday September 16 2023
Morning Devotional – September 16, 2023
Scripture: Job 7:12 (KJV) “Am I a sea, or a whale, that thou settest a watch over me?”
Job, in his suffering and distress, raises a poignant question to God. He wonders why God is watching over him so closely, as if he were a vast sea or a mighty sea creature. In the midst of his trials, Job’s words reflect his sense of being under constant scrutiny and affliction.
Many of us can relate to Job’s feelings during difficult times. We may wonder why it seems like God is so attentive to our troubles, as if we are being closely observed in our moments of pain and suffering. In such moments, it can be easy to question God’s intentions and purposes.
However, it’s important to remember that God’s watchful care over us is not a sign of indifference or cruelty. Rather, it is a reflection of His love and concern for His children. Just as a loving parent watches over their child in times of need, God watches over us to protect, guide, and comfort us.
When we face trials, it’s an opportunity to draw near to God, seeking His presence and wisdom. Job’s question reminds us that even in our moments of distress, God is with us. He sees our pain and is ready to provide comfort and help.
As you start your day, reflect on the watchful care of your Heavenly Father. He is not distant but is intimately aware of your circumstances. Trust that His presence and guidance are with you, and seek His comfort and strength in times of trouble.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, in times of suffering and distress, help me to remember that Your watchful care over me is a sign of Your love and concern. Grant me the faith to trust in Your presence and to seek Your guidance and comfort in all circumstances. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
May this devotional inspire you to trust in God’s loving watchfulness, even in the midst of trials and difficulties.
Morning & Evening Devotional Saturday September 16 2023
Evening Thought
This was a strange question for Job to ask of the Lord. He felt himself to be too insignificant to be so strictly watched and chastened, and he hoped that he was not so unruly as to need to be so restrained. The enquiry was natural from one surrounded with such insupportable miseries, but after all, it is capable of a very humbling answer. It is true man is not the sea, but he is even more troublesome and unruly. The sea obediently respects its boundary, and though it be but a belt of sand, it does not overleap the limit. Mighty as it is, it hears the divine hitherto, and when most raging with tempest it respects the word; but self-willed man defies heaven and oppresses earth, neither is there any end to this rebellious rage. The sea, obedient to the moon, ebbs and flows with ceaseless regularity, and thus renders an active as well as a passive obedience; but man, restless beyond his sphere, sleeps within the lines of duty, indolent where he should be active. He will neither come nor go at the divine command, but sullenly prefers to do what he should not, and to leave undone that which is required of him. Every drop in the ocean, every beaded bubble, and every yeasty foam-flake, every shell and pebble, feel the power of law, and yield or move at once. O that our nature were but one thousandth part as much conformed to the will of God! We call the sea fickle and false, but how constant it is! Since our fathers’ days, and the old time before them, the sea is where it was, beating on the same cliffs to the same tune; we know where to find it, it forsakes not its bed, and changes not in its ceaseless boom; but where is man-vain, fickle man? Can the wise man guess by what folly he will next be seduced from his obedience? We need more watching than the billowy sea, and are far more rebellious. Lord, rule us for thine own glory. Amen.
Morning & Evening Devotional Saturday September 16 2023
