Zophar's advice to Job

Let's turn to Job, one of my favorite books in the Bible. The majority of that book involves lengthy discussions between Job and his friends. A main point of the book, as it see it, is that no one, Job included, seems capable of fully understanding God's eternal design. Of course, that theme also describes our own dealings with God.

Yet each character in the book, despite his incomplete understanding, occasionally offers a worthwhile insight. A particular good one comes from Zophar in chapter 11, verses 13-15 (NLT),

If only you would prepare your heart

and lift up your hands to him in prayer!

Get rid of your sins,

and leave all iniquity behind you.

Then your face will brighten with innocence.

You will be strong and free of fear.

What a simple recipe for spiritual fulfillment! Why do we all struggle to follow this advice! Let us keep Zophar's words in mind today during our prayers.