One More Breath

I have issues with the story of Job.

Or, well, had issues. They're slowly smoothing out as I dare a little more, reach a little farther, relax a little deeper into the love the Lord holds for me.
The story of Job made me squirm. Literally. It's a troubling thought that a person who had done nothing wrong and was as righteous as possible could be so attacked, tried, and tempted by the enemy.
But the enemy could not take his life.
The circle of trials could only tighten so much around Job before it hit the invisible barrier guarding the area that only God had control over.
Job's soul.
This song has helped me come to grips with the story of Job. The heart-impacting lyrics are written by Nichole Nordeman (one of my favorite songwriters) and the orchestration and music really captures the raw emotion and strong feelings... and love for God... that I believe Job had.
Listen. Please.


Here are the lyrics, if you're like me and don't like playing every Youtube video you run across. ;)
I really recommend that you listen to the song though.

If one more person takes my hand and tries to say they understand
Tells me there’s a bigger plan that I’m not meant to see
If one more person dares suggest that I held something unconfessed
Tries to make the dots connect from righteousness to easy street
Well I, I won’t deny I’ve relied on some assumptions
A man’s honest life entitles him to something

But who am I to make demands of the God of Abraham?
And who are You that You would choose to answer me with mercy new
How many more will wander past to find me here among the ashes
Will you hold me? Will you stay?
So I can raise this broken praise to You
Who else will see my suffering as one more opportunity
To educate; to help me see all my flawed theology
If one more well intentioned friend tries to tie up my loose ends
Hoping to, with rug and broom, sweep awkward moments from the room
But I, I can’t forget, I have begged just like a madman
For my chance to die and never have to face the morning

But who am I to make demands of the God of Abraham?
And who are You that You would choose to answer me with mercy new
How many more will wander past to find me sitting in this ash
Will you hold me? Will you stay?
So I can raise this broken praise to You
But You were the One who filled my cup
And You were the One who let it spill
So blessed be your Holy name if you never fill it up again
If this is where my story ends,

just give me one more breath
to say... Hallelujah!

 

 

I had chills running up and down my arms the first time I heard that song and it got to the part where the singer cried out "Hallelujah!".

Job rejoiced in the midst of his incredible suffering. He praised God, even though he thought he was at his last breath.

What an inspiration!

But his story did not end with that "last" Hallelujah.

When God saw that Job refused to curse him and continued to believe in his Lord... He blessed him. The blessings poured out until everything Job had lost was restored, and more.

I hope this post has encouraged you today that it is possible to have joy inside you, no matter what. 

Because it is.

Love & Hugs!

~Julia


P.S.
This post was part of the "Joy in Suffering" series. I am really in awe of the fact that us authors at MOHL are starting to tackle the difficult topics like this one, and wanted to say "Bravo!" to our fearless leaders who chose them. :)