Job 18:1 – 19:29

January 13, 2011

Bildad speaks again. He speaks on the assumption that Job is reaping what he has sown. Bildad describes what happens to wicked people. While what he is saying is true, it does not apply to Job.

Job 18:7-10 - "They will fall into their own evil traps. Their feet will be caught in a net when they walk into its web. A trap will catch them by the heel and hold them tight. A trap for them is hidden on the ground, right in their path." (Exactly what they planned for others - Psalm 140.)

Job replies. Job 19:25-27 - "I know my Defender lives, and in the end he will stand upon the earth. Even after my skin has been destroyed, in my flesh I will see God. I will see him myself; I will see him with my very own eyes. How my heart wants that to happen!" Praise the LORD!!

From Life Lesson ~

Blamers - They avoid accepting responsibility for their actions by criticizing other people or blaming past experiences which cannot be changed or undone.
Hurtful Joker - They specialize in laughing at people instead of laughing with them.
Fault Finder - This person seems to have an insatiable need to point out others' defects... usually with a smile saying, "I'm just trying to be helpful."
Cannibals - These people don't criticize in a joking manner or settle for mere nitpicking. They go for the jugular... they attack through the most severe forms of personal criticism and put downs with complete disregard for the feelings of others. 

Destructive critics may say they are only interested in remodeling you into a better person by sharing a little constructive criticism. But in reality, these critics... are intent on putting you down, tearing you down, punishing you, and manipulating you. Their brand of criticism does not nourish, it poisons...

Remind yourself that you are responsible to answer to God and to yourself, not to the critical person. Being responsible to God, you look to Him for direction and approval.  Being responsible to yourself, you take ownership of your feelings, attitudes, and behavior. If you are aligned with God and with what He wants you to be, you don't need to fear criticism or try to justify your position. You have the power to make your own choices and grow through the experience of criticism.

As a nondefensive person, you respect and feel good about yourself. You believe in your worth and your capabilities. You possess your own identity and sense of security.

~ From How to Get Along with Almost Anyone By H. Norman Wright

Addendum: 12/1/14 ~ Wow! Looking back I can remember how much reading this encouraged me. Critics can say whatever they want. They can accuse, blame, and try to tear you down. But, whatever they try to falsely accuse you of doesn't really matter. Praise the Lord! I know the truth. I am perfectly comfortable answering to God and myself  I am not fearful of anyone and I have no need to try and justify myself. With some people you can't win, lose, or draw. My sister is one of those people. I can't change that. The only person I can change and am responsible for is myself. I choose to see myself through my Savior's eyes. I am an upright, honest, capable, and loving person who seeks to find the best in others and whose desire it is to do what I can to leave this world a better place from my time spent in it. I want my life to bring honor and glory to HIM. I am who I am because of who HE is. There is nothing I want more than to share the love of Christ and what I have learned along this journey with others. 

Oh, how I have changed. There was a time when I was very content to just live my life in my own safe little cocoon, and I was satisfied with that. No longer. I want my life to be an offering of praise to my Savior. I want to share HIS love with those who are lost or struggling on their own paths. I want to make a difference in HIS Kingdom. 

Addendum #2: 4/11/19 ~ There is song by Hillsong called Who You Say I Am. I love the words. Listen to it here. People who are seeking to harm you can accuse you of all sorts of things... but it doesn't matter. I am who HE says I am.


Next Entry: Job 20:1 – 21:34