Day 334 - Song of Solomon 6:4 - 8 & Psalm 148

 Julie

I am struggling with what to write today. There seemed to be some sexual innuendos in this one, but I really didn't understand the end. 

Praise the Lord!!

 

Michelle

Agreed.  This one has my head spinning a bit.  There are parts that sound again like sexual invitation, others like describing every part of each other but like they are longing for the other, and then when they talk about the little sister being a wall, that lost me there.  The end seems to be the two of them wanting to be with each other.

This is a psalm that is just praising the Lord through it all. 

Day 333 - Song of Solomon 5:2 - 6:3 & Psalm 147

 Julie

There seems to be a lot of questions about whether these were real situations or part of a dream. What sparked that explanation was the part about how she was beaten. I am not sure if this is a metaphor for something, but there doesn't seem to be a clear understanding of how to interpret a lot of what is going on here. Other than to say that they are talking clearly about their love for each other. 

"Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure." This is what stood out to me today aside from the need to praise the Lord for all that he does. I believe that they theme of this one is that he heals the brokenhearted, but in that we are reminded of all that he has done and that we should be praising him. 

 

Michelle

I agree.  The beginning had me thinking again about sexual relations but then she went out and was beaten while she looked for her beloved.  Then she goes on to basically tell her friends all about him, describing every feature but they are questioning why he is better than others.  

It does sound like the writer is telling us all the things God does for us and we should praise him for it all. 

Day 332 - Song of Songs 4 - 5:1 & Psalm146

 Michelle

This sounds like the man is telling of all the things he finds beautiful about the woman he loves, describing every feature.  This in turn has her telling him to come to her and enjoy her garden.  The devotional says this is like the beginning of a wedding when a man and woman see each other on opposite sides of the aisle.  It sounded more like an invitation to her bed to me, but I could see this as well as it talks about her veil and such.

This psalm sounds like one of praise, saying Praise the Lord, my soul, in the beginning.  It goes on to say not to put your trust in people as when their spirit departs, they return to the ground.  But put your trust in God and praise the Lord for all he does for you.

Julie

I like your explanation. I agree that is what I was getting from this too. Is it weird that there doesn't really seem to be a lot to say about these?

Praise the Lord O my soul, O my soul, worship his holy name. That is the verse of a song that popped into my head when I read that. 

Day 331 - Song of Solomon 2:8 - 3 & Psalm 145

 Julie

So I noticed this in yesterday's reading and found it interesting that it was said again, "...that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases." As this was said again, I am wondering the significance. Is it saying that we shouldn't jump into something quickly, or that we should actually wait until there is love? 

I marked these two verses the last time because they stood out to me, "The Lord is gracious and merciful slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all and his mercy is over all that he has made," and "The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works. The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down." The Lord is merciful and will forgive of us if we ask for forgiveness and he holds us up during our times of need if we bow down and ask for his help. 

 

Michelle

It sounds to me like it is saying exactly that.  No need to go searching, Love will come when it is time and we should wait and not jump so quickly.  It also seems that the woman is speaking highly of the love for her man.  They both are, which alot of people are not good at.  We tend to hang on to the difficulties in relationships.  

The psalm seems to be telling of all the things that God does for us.  That he is righteous and faithful to those that worship and praise him.  That he watches over us and that we should speak in praise to God always.

 

Day 330- Song of Solomon 1 - 2:7 & Psalm 144

 Julie

This does seem to be a man and woman expressing their love for each other. I honestly am not sure what else to say about this today. 

The Lord is our rock, he is there when we are fighting battles and protects us from the struggles that we face. He rescues us during trying times. We should praise him for all he does. We are blessed by God. 

 

Michelle

The preface to this book says that it is celebrating the gift of marital love.  That it cautions readers not to awaken love too early, but for the husband and wife, much joy is found in their private, tender love.  It says not only did God create marriage but he rejoices in married love and wants his people to rejoice in it too.

This section does seem to be a man and woman expressing their love for each other.  I don't understand some of the references, but that is the gist of it. 

Your interpretation of this psalm is accurate to my understanding.  He is with us always and we should praise him so that we will be blessed. 

Day 329 - Psalm 143

 Julie

This psalm is a beautiful prayer telling God how much we need him and thanking him for being there and taking care of us. This is one of those psalms that would be good to use to build prayer time around as it covers everything that we desire and are thankful for.

 

Michelle

This is another prayer for mercy and guidance.   

Day 328 - Psalm 142

 Julie

David prays to the Lord asking for refuge and praises him because he is a faithful God that takes care of him in his struggles.

 

Michelle

This sounds like another prayer but for mercy this time.  His spirit is growing faint and weak and he is asking for God to watch over him and give him strength. 

Day 327 - Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 & Psalm 141

 Julie

This book ends by telling us to fear God and keep his commandments because that is what we are supposed to do. They also remind or tell us that God will judge us based on our actions and the judgement will reflect whether or not we have done good or evil. 

I think this psalm is asking God to protect and help from doing evil deeds or to fall into the trap of doing something evil or sinful. 

 

Michelle

This conclusion is interesting and confusing based on the rest of this book.  But I understand this to mean exactly what the final verses say:  Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.  For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.  This is what we are supposed to do all our days.  This is our purpose and God will see every though or action, good or evil, even what we think is hidden, he knows.

I had a hard time reading this book and I think that's why I wasn't able to keep up better.  It has had such a negative feeling and I have had a hard time with those negativities already in life and have been trying to focus on a more positive outlook and turning to God when I get those negative thoughts that wreck my peace of mind.  

This psalm also sounds like a prayer of protection from those doing evil and for guidance not to fall into their traps. 

Day 326 - Ecclesiastes 11:9 - 12:8 & Psalm 140

 Julie

Remember God as he will judge our decisions...I think that is what this is saying. The explanation says that this is a metaphorical description of the aging process and then life ceases and we return to God.

This psalm is asking God to protect us from the evil and the wicked in the world. This could be a good prayer for the way things are going right now.

 

 

Michelle

This is saying to me that we are to know God in our youth so that we can carry that knowledge with us throughout our lives.  That we are to teach our children the Lord so that when trouble comes to them in adulthood, they will be able to handle it and know that God is with them.  

This does sound like a prayer of protection from evil and evil doers.   

Day 325 - Ecclesiastes 11:1-8 & Psalm 139

 Julie

These verses tell us that life is unpredictable and the explanation says that it's giving us council in that unpredictability. I think that it is also telling us that through this we cannot predict how God will respond or work in our lives and we are not supposed to know. While it doesn't say trust I believe that it implies it. 

The Lord knows us and knows our hearts. We are wonderful creations that he takes care of and protects us. 

 

Michelle

I agree it says that life is unpredictable and that we should not keep all our eggs in one basket so to speak.  It also seems to say that in that unpredictability, we should not be idle, since we do not know what will succeed or fail, we must do many things.  And that we are not meant to understand the work of God.  

The Lord knows all and sees all.  He knows our thoughts before they are formed and knows the ways of our hearts.  We cannot flee from his presence as he is with us always, guiding us even when we feel he is not.  We cannot hide from God. 

Day 324 - Ecclesiastes 9:13 - 10 & Psalm 138

 Julie

It is better to be wise. The author explains how it is always better to be wise and what happens when you are not. I have struggled with this book a little bit. Maybe I need to find a more extensive explanation because I don't feel like I was able to digest what it was really trying to say.

We should give thanks to the Lord for everything and sing his praises. Thanking him for being there when we call and for answering our prayers. 

 

Michelle

It makes me feel better to hear you say that because I also have struggled with this book.  Not sure if it's a current state of mind or just confusion on what this author is talking about.  I started to get a bad thought in my mind during this reading though.  It took me back to a work issue that has passed and made me wonder if those that I had difficulty with were praying against me, if that makes sense.  I don't know why that came up during this reading though.  The beginning of the reading is titled "Wisdom better than Folly".  The end stood out though saying "Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in  your bedroom, because a bird in the sky may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say".   So we must make sure we are not being two faced is how I took this to mean.  

The psalm sounds like he is praying to God that all kings and people will praise God and that even in trouble God is with you.  His love endures forever.

Day 323 - Ecclesiastes 9:1-12 & Psalm 137

 Julie

I think that the author is saying there that we should enjoy life and live life because no one truly knows how long they have. I think he is also saying that everyone goes through the same things regardless of whether or not they follow God, it's how they handle those things that matter. 

We should sing songs to the Lord...I think that is what it's trying to say.

 

Michelle

I think your synopsis is accurate.  We all have the same end no matter how we live life.  

This psalm confused me a little.  Starts out talking about singing songs to the Lord, but at the end it speaks of infants being dashed against rocks which sounds awful.  Like they are captive but while their captors are doing bad things to them they want them to sing songs of the Lord. 

Day 322 - Ecclesiastes 8 & Psalm 136

 Julie

I am struggling with this a little bit. The author keeps talking about vanity, but I guess I need to see how they are really defining that because it seems like everything is vanity in their eyes. I get that we are supposed to follow the commands of those in charge, this is not the only time we are told this, but the one thing that doesn't stand out is that it is supposed to be as long as those commands don't go against the Word of God. Maybe I missed that... Although it does talk about having the fear of God and following his Word will help us to do well.

...his steadfast love endures forever. God has done great and wonderful things.

 

Michelle

I am struggling to understand some of these.  This chapter is titled "Obey the King", but I didn't really get that from the reading.  Here are the things that came to mind though.  First, obeying the king's command while not standing up for a bad cause.  This one seemed a little difficult, because if the king is doing bad how can we stand up for that.  Second, in verse 9 it says, "There is a time when a man lords it over others to his own hurt".  This made me think about when things are done to us and how we want others to hurt as we do and that we tend to hold things over people when that happens instead of forgiving them.  That when we do this we are only really hurting ourselves by hanging on to it.  It goes on in verse 11 to speak about when a sentence for a crime is not carried out quickly, people's hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong.  I feel this often.  When someone has done wrong, I think about all the things that I could do to them in retaliation and to hurt them.  I know this isn't right, but I have to admit it happens.  Like how can I get back at someone and make them feel what they have done.  It goes on to talk about how the wicked get what the righteous deserve and the righteous get what the wicked deserve.  When I got to this point, I again started to feel like this writer sounds very negative.  But then verse 15 reminded me that we must enjoy the little things in life.  "So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad.  Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun."  At the end he says that No one can discover the meaning of life.  

I think you got it perfectly with this psalm.  His love endures forever.

Day 321 - Ecclesiastes 7 & Psalm 135

 Julie

This chapter shows the ways to be wise and the ways to be "folly." It reminds us that no matter how righteous that we are still subject to sin or that we are not perfect and will make mistakes. 

Praise the Lord for all he does. 

 

Michelle

The devotional with this chapter sums up what I was getting from the reading. It speaks of remembering the old days and how it is easy to think that the past was better than today and that we have selective memories.  We remember alot of good things and don't speak or think about the difficulties we had along the way.  The ends says to Thank God for all your wonderful memories.  Take the difficult things to God in prayer.  Ask him what he wants  you to learn from your present situation.  God doesn't waste our experiences.  He can use the good days as well as the not-so-great days to benefit us if we let him.  The key is to remember things as they really were/are, to be content with things as they really are and to trust God to take care of the future.  I think this is where we are in a way.

This sounds like a psalm of praise to God.  It is telling all the tribes to praise God and reminds of some of the things God has done for them. 

Day 320 - Ecclesiastes 5:8 - 6 & Psalm 134

 Julie

The beginning of these verses was interesting. It seems that the author is saying that we need to remember that those in power are ruled by God. Even those doing evil or wrong were still put in place by God. It doesn't specifically say it that way, but I wonder if that is part of what they are getting at here. The rest seems like a reminder that wealth is not what brings happiness and that sometimes it steers us in the wrong direction. Chapter 6 confused me some. Although looking at it...there is an evilness in man and I think that we have seen that a lot throughout what we have read up to this point. 

Lift your hands and praise the Lord.

 

Michelle

I struggled with this reading a little but your explanation makes sense.  It does tell us that everyone is touched by God in some way and that those with wealth are not always as happy as we may think.  Chapter 6 felt again a little like we are speaking in the negative sense.  Like it's all meaningless, what's the point of having wisdom, everything has already been named.  The last few sentences are questioning.  Who knows what is good because time passes like a shadow and then we are gone.

The psalm seems to be a praise to the Lord saying lift your hands and praise. 

Day 319 - Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 & Psalm 133

 Julie

Mean what you say and say what you mean. I think that is the basis behind these verses. Don't speak empty words in the presence of God. 

We should dwell in unity with those that are considered out brothers.

 

Michelle

I am way behind and catching up a little this morning.  I think you got this one right on.  I have the don't make promises you can't keep in my head too.  

The psalm seems to be a call to live in unity with others and that when we do this everyone thrives. 

Day 318 - Ecclesiates 4 & Psalm 132

 Michelle

The theme of this one seems like "two is better than one".  That alone we struggle but together with another one or even two, we thrive.  Again it starts off sounding negative as he talks of the oppression he sees.  But as you read, I am reminded of the things that have come from this reading.  There are popular verses in this section. The point I think is that we are not alone and are not made to be alone.  God gave us a partner in the beginning and we should surround ourselves with community and that we share each others joy and sorrow.  It is what helps us along in life. I have a hard time with this usually.  I am not good at reaching out to people or sharing when I need some comfort or help with something in life.  I tend to drown myself in despair.  I don't know how to be any other way.  I always feel like a burden to others or I see it as not near as important or not as bad as others have it and then I think I shouldn't even bother sharing because it seems stupid.  That whole I am my worst enemy thing is really accurate for me.  It's something I am continually working on. 

The psalm sounds like he's talking about finding a place for the ark of the covenant. 

Julie

I agree and saw the same theme in this as you did. I do the same things you do and for the same reasons. I wonder where we got that from...

That is how I am reading that Psalm too. That seems like a lot of words for that purpose.

Day 317 - Ecclesiastes 3 & Psalm 131

Julie

 There is a time for everything...which is something that we tend to forget because we want everything to be good and perfect all time. We need to remember that there is an opposing action for every good action that those things will happen. We are going to experience them all over time. Even through those difficult seasons we should be joyful and do good and take pleasure in things because God is there and taking care of us during all of that.

This psalm is very short and really just states that they have calmed and quieted their soul. 

 

Michelle

I appreciate your summary and focus of this reading.  This writer feels negative to me for some reason. But you are right.  We do always want everything to be good, but there can't be good without bad or else how would we know the difference.  

I read the same thing from this psalm.   

Day 316 - Ecclesiastes 1.12 - 2 & Psalm 130

 Michelle

I am not sure what to make of this reading.  The "Teacher" talks about applying his mind to study and explore by wisdom and then says God has laid a heavy burden on mankind.  It seems he is saying everything we do, whether wise or foolish, right or wrong, laughter or madness, all are meaningless.  I know we are coming to a point that takes us back to God.  But at this point it seems he finds all life meaningless.  All we do or accomplish he finds meaningless.  It's kind of a negative mindset to have but I understand what he is saying.  Like he is searching for a purpose.  At the end of chapter 2 he says everything a person does comes from the hand of God, for without him who can find enjoyment, and to the person who pleases God he will give them wisdom, knowledge and happiness, and to the sinner he gives a task of gathering up wealth to be given to the one who pleases God.  But then says all this is meaningless too.  It was almost hard to read this right now.  It almost put me in a mindset of negativity and thinking what are we even doing here.  I am hoping we get to the point quickly in this.  

The psalm seems to be asking for forgiveness and reminds us that with God there is forgiveness.  In the word is hope.  Look to the word of God and you will be given his unfailing love and redemption.

Julie

I had trouble with this one too. I was wondering if he was going through all of that and then at the end trying to make the point that without God then all of that is vanity or folly. I don't know though...even the explanation wasn't really very helpful. Almost as if they didn't completely understand where this was going. 

Very good explanation.

Day 315 - Ecclesiastes 1.1-11 & Psalm 129

 Michelle

The preface to this book says we follow the Teacher along the adventurous quest for the meaning of life.  Although this starts off a bit negative as this section is titled "Everything is Meaningless".  Basically what I understood him to be saying is that the earth is never changing, the sun comes up and goes down daily, the wind blows, the streams flow and never fill the sea.  It's interesting because it seems he is only talking of the earth and nature and it's beauty, but at the beginning he says, "What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?  Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever".  Then he says at the end that no one remembers the former generation.  As we have read through the bible so far and as we see in life today, this is true.  The people of the bible continually "forgot" the things that happened to those that came before then and failed to tell the next generation the ways of the Lord.  Today we see mistakes being made from which the world should have learned from history.  It is like that saying history repeats itself.  That is the gist of what the reading seems to be saying.  

This psalm made me think of you in verse 4, "But the Lord is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked".  I felt this way recently as well.  In my job at least.  When I transferred to the other location I felt a weight lifted and the environment felt more calm.  And I know God was looking out for me.  Then something else happened with those people and I wondered if God had a hand in it.  I mean I feel like he did.  What I prayed for was not what happened but it was clearly what needed to happen and God does things we don't expect.  I was taken aback at first and am thankful that God has had a hand in all things.  We just don't always see them in the moment.  You will see his hand eventually thru all these challenges you are facing.  I hope for now you find comfort and peace as you walk thru this trial and that your path, or at least your next step, is shown to you. 

Julie

That is exactly how I interpreted that. I really don't have anything more to say about it. Although, in the preface of this book it did say something I thought interesting and timely. "The theme of Ecclesiastes is the necessity of fearing God in a fallen, and therefore frequently confusing and frustrating world." I feel like we are in this place right now and this book might have good insight for us.

Thank you for pointing that out. That is very true. I have seen in the last few days how I could have kept my job longer, but I don't think I was really supposed to. God removed me from a toxic environment and I am grateful for that. So, it happened the way it was supposed to. I am glad that I am not walking alone.

Day 314 - Psalm 128

 Julie

Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord. I know that this doesn't mean that we are supposed to walk around scared of being struck by lightning for doing something wrong, but I do struggle with how this is written sometimes. 

 

Michelle

I vaguely recall discussing before what it means to fear the Lord as like you say it doesn't mean to be afraid of his wrath.  But I understand your struggle here.  It sounds like we should be afraid of doing wrong or going against God in any way because he will strike you down. But.  It's almost a call to fear what your life would be like if you didn't follow God and look to him in reverence.  Because the life without God can be so much harder.  I think about before I came to God, on my own, and I do see that I was just floating thru life.  It wasn't bad but it wasn't always good.  There were alot of things that shaped me but I didn't really know what it meant to live in relationship with God.  I think coming to that has changed me.  And in that maybe some of my circumstances.  I have a better understanding of God and what it means to believe.  And while that belief doesn't always change the way I feel about things I am going thru, I know that God is the one constant and I have found that when I turn to God, I feel better about whatever I am going thru.  Emotionally and mentally I mean.  It doesn't necessarily change the circumstances, but it changes my perspective on the situation.  And that does wonders for me. 

Day 313 - Psalm 127

 Julie

I had to look at the explanation for this one. It's a reminder that without all God's blessing that all we do is worthless. When we can see God's blessing in everything we are thankful for what he has blessed us with.

 

Michelle

This psalm says something a little different to me.  It says to me that without God everything you do is in vain, which makes me think that with God in your life all things are possible.  The second part about the children being a heritage kind of has me lost though.  It sounds like the psalmist sees children as a reward for ones faith.  I am not sure about that.  The end has me confused a little.   

Day 312 - Job 42:7-17 & Psalm 126

 Julie

God deals with Job's friends and makes them make reparations to Job. He also blesses Job for all that he has had to endure. 

The Lord restores fortunes. They will be grateful to him for doing this. 

 

Michelle

I read the same in this section as you, but I came away with a question.  What came of Satan at this point?  This all started as a challenge with Satan, so how did God deal with Satan after all this.  Job did not stop believing in God through it all, even though he was questioning God throughout this book.  I wondered often it his faith was waning, but I am not sure it was or not.  

The psalm is talking about how God restores fortunes.  That those who go out with tears and sorrow will come back with joy.  This seems to be saying that we don't live in sadness forever, that with God there is a way back from it. 

Day 311 - Job 40 - 42:6 & Psalm 125

 Julie

Job listens as God speaks and tells him that he has previously spoken about things that he has not enough knowledge of and kind of reprimands him for some of the things that he said. Job ends this one by repenting for the things he said.

The Lord will bless those who are righteous and will take care of evildoers. I would imagine that you would have to have enough people that are righteous in the Lord for this to happen.

 

Michelle

God does seem to be reprimanding Job.  The devotional sums it up well.  We all question God at times.  And these questions can make us challenge our faith.  God challenged Job with questions to reveal his limitations and show the power of God.  He eventually tells God he is not worthy and will say no more.  It says that God loved Job enough to be with him in his suffering and that makes all the difference.  Job didn't need to keep asking questions because he realized that God was the only answer.  It sums it up well saying, Sometimes, when we reach the end of ourselves, when we reach the end of the tears and the rage and the questions, when we are quiet, we hear him say, "I am God.  I am here.". 

This psalm is saying to me that those who trust in the Lord cannot be shaken and that God surrounds his people.  It sounds also like the psalmist is asking the lord to bless those that are good and get rid of those that do evil.   

Day 310 - Job 38-39 & Psalm 124

 Julie

God responds to Job and shows him how he does not know as much as he thinks he does. In a way, I guess you could say he is putting Job in his place.

Our help is in the name of the Lord. He will not give us to our enemies and he will protect us.

 

Michelle

That is a good synopsis of this reading.  The devotional kind of says something similar.  It says that for 37 chapters, Job and his friends have grappled with the question of suffering and that while God didn't tell Job the reason for his suffering, he did remind Job that he is the mighty God who marked the dimensions of the earth, fixed the limits on the sea and blanketed the sky with clouds.  God showed them how much bigger and more magnificent his ways are compared to our own.  It does sound like God is reminding Job of who he is and that while Job is questioning God, God has been there with him the whole time.  

The psalm says that God is always on our side and with us thru all things.  We are to look to God in every situation and praise his help in our time of need.

Day 309 - Job 36-37 & Psalm 123

 Julie

Elihu spends a lot of time explaining the splendor and glory of God and how he reigns over everything. At least that is what I feel like he was doing. Not that I am complaining, but I feel like that is what the whole them of this reading was.

Have mercy on us Lord and keep us protected from those who have contempt for us.

 

Michelle

Yes, these 2 chapters seem to be describing God thru weather.  The way he explains it though really does sound like he is explaining God's glory and how he has his hand in the world.  The devotional with this one talks about the Who and weather phenomenon.  It's interesting really because there is always calm after a storm and that seems to be kind of what this is getting at I think.  

The psalm sounds like they are praying to God for mercy from being ridiculed and treated poorly. 

Day 308 - Job 34-35 & Psalm 122

 Julie

I think I have a little more clarity today. I did have to delve into the explanation, but it does help to make some sense of where Elihu is going with this. So, Job believed that being righteous in God meant that his life should flow perfectly and we would not struggle, and Elihu is telling him that this is not accurate. Being righteous does not mean that God is going to make everything happen the way we want it to and doesn't mean that we won't experience struggles or attacks by the enemy. He is reminding him that in these moments we need to remember to still trust in God and know that he has a plan for all of this and that we will be taken care of.

This seems to be celebrating the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem.

 

Michelle

I appreciate the explanation because I was not getting this at all.  It sounds more like he is speaking ill of Job.  I am getting confused I guess because it sounded at one point that he was saying God doesn't listen to us.  But your explanation helps me to understand.  I will have to reread this one.

I agree and there seems to be prayer for peace for those within it's walls. 

Day 307 - Job 32-33 & Psalm 121

 Julie

It is nice to see someone stand up for Job against those that are speaking ill of him. However, I am a little confused of Elihu's rebuke of Job. Maybe I am not understanding completely...I thought that God chose Job for this test with satan because he was considered a righteous man...although I am sure a flawed man. So it confused me as to why Elihu is rebuking the fact that Job was trying to justify himself to those that were talking negatively about him. Is Elihu trying to tell him that if he is truly following God, regardless of what is happening to him, that he doesn't have to justify himself to anyone except God? Basically, a reminder that the only opinion that matters and the only one that we truly answer to is God?

A psalm telling us that our help comes from the Lord and nowhere else.

 

Michelle

I too am confused by this chapter.  I couldn't tell if he was standing up for Job or not based on what he was saying.  And yes I also thought he was chosen because he is righteous.  So it seems that Elihu is chastising Job for justifying himself.  I don't really understand what is happening here.  

I got the same from the psalm.  God is always watching over us.  

Day 306 - Job 31 & Psalm 120

 Julie

After reading this I did have to look at the explanation because I wasn't quite sure where he was going with this one, but his explanation did help. It explained that he is basically confessing that he has tried to live a righteous life because there should be no other way to be and that there is no benefit in turning from God regardless of what is happening in his life. 

Asking God deliver them from those that are lying and deceitful. Claiming that they have been among those who want war for too long and they desire peace. I kinda feel like we are in a similar place as this right now.

 

Michelle

I understood this to be Job doing what you explained.  It seemed as if he was telling someone that if he did the things he was accused of then God would not have blessed him.  That he did what he could to lead a righteous life.  

The psalm does seem to be asking God to be saved from those that are lying and deceitful, asking them to be punished for their actions.  The end really does stand out though in regards to trying to be peaceful around those hungry for war.  I have felt and do feel like that at times and it is very difficult to remain in that environment.  This is a good psalm to come back to and pray in times like those.   

Day 305 - Job 29-30 & Psalm 119

 Michelle

At the beginning, Job is remembering times when he was on top of the world and everyone looked to him in awe.  At least this is what is sounds like as he recounts all the things he has done in his life.  But then it goes on to tell of how all those that once looked to him in reverence, are now mocking him and he seems to be still waiting for death.  Not wishing for it like before but more like he is expecting it at this point as he talks of his physical suffering.  

This is an extremely long psalm.  The entirety of this psalm is about keeping to God's commands or decrees and never straying no matter the situation.  The verses that really stand out to me and seem to sum up the entire psalm are these:  105 - Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path; 133 - Direct my footsteps according to your word, let no sin rule over me; 169 - May my cry come before you, Lord, give me understanding according to your word.  Throughout the psalm there are many situations the writer seems to be going thru and overall he keeps turning to God, in praise, for direction and understanding, and for wisdom.  It seems to be the instruction to do so and to seek understanding and guidance.  The other verse that made me stop and think is 164 that says, "Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws".  This made me ask myself if I am praising or thanking God enough each day or if I am praying enough.  Not sure what triggered this though.

Julie

That is how I read it today too. He just seems to be matter of fact about it.

I am going to have to come back and read this one again. I was very focused on the fact that each of the stanzas is a Hebrew letter and I was trying to remember them as I read. I did get that they were focused on praising God's laws, commandments, and statutes and claiming great love for all of it and their devotion to them. I would say that if you talk to God about all things you are praying to him and if you thank him for what he has done for you when he answers then you are thanking him enough.