What steps can we take to find hope when feeling "hedged in" like Job? Feeling Hedged In — Job 3:23 “Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in?” Step 1 — Tell God Exactly How You Feel - Job models raw honesty; lament is not rebellion but relationship. - “Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:8) Step 2 — Rehearse What Scripture Reveals about God - He is sovereign: “I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2) - He is good: “No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11) - He is near: “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted.” (Psalm 34:18) Step 3 — Look Back on His Proven Faithfulness - Write down past answers to prayer. - “I will remember the works of the LORD.” (Psalm 77:11) - Raise your own “Ebenezer” like Samuel: “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” (1 Samuel 7:12) Step 4 — Invite Others into Your Struggle - Job’s friends began well by sitting in silence (Job 2:13). Presence matters. - “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) Step 5 — Choose Worship before Relief - “Then Job… fell to the ground and worshiped.” (Job 1:20-21) - “Through Jesus… let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.” (Hebrews 13:15) Step 6 — Speak Truth to Your Soul - “Why are you downcast, O my soul?… Put your hope in God.” (Psalm 42:5) - Affirm Christ’s unbreakable love: “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37) Step 7 — Wait Expectantly for the Redeemer - “I know that my Redeemer lives… in my flesh I will see God.” (Job 19:25-26) - “It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.” (Lamentations 3:26) Step 8 — Fix Your Eyes on the Eternal - “Our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:17) - “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2) - “In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33) Encouraging Wrap-Up Feeling hedged in does not mean abandoned. Follow Job’s path: lament honestly, cling to God’s character, remember His faithfulness, lean on His people, worship, preach truth to your soul, wait for vindication, and focus on eternity. Hope flourishes when the heart stays anchored to the unchanging Word of God. |
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