Piercing Arrows

Job 5:10-11
He gives rain on the earth,
And sends waters on the fields.
He sets on high those who are lowly,
And those who mourn are lifted to safety. NKJV

“I know the plans I have for you. They are good for you and not evil. They are to give you hope and a future. But the arrows that pierce your heart are just as much a part of my plans as the joy that is set before you. Don’t be angry and despair. Don’t keep asking why; just embrace them and understand—they’re part of the plan. You can’t see the big picture like I can. Trust Me.” These are the words that kept running through my heart and mind last Sunday morning as the Lord moved in a special way and spoke through tongues and interpretation.

He gives rain. Sometimes it is soothing and thirst-quenching. Sometimes it is stormy and earth-moving. But always, always He has a plan, a good plan, one full of hope and life. If we keep His commandments, we can have this assurance; His plan will come to pass. The rain may come in different ways, but He will set us on high and lift us to safety. God’s plan for Job involved great sorrow and abundant joy—both were equally integral parts of the plan.

I don’t know what this day will bring.
Will it be disappointing or filled with longed for things?
I don’t know what tomorrow holds
Still I know I can trust Your faithfulness.

I don’t know if these clouds mean rain.
If they do will they pour down blessing or pain?
I don’t know what the future holds.
Still I know, I can trust Your faithfulness.

(Your Faithfulness, Brian Doerksen)