S) "15 If I am wicked, woe to me!
And if I am righteous, I dare not lift up my head.
I am sated with disgrace and conscious of my misery.
16 Should my head be lifted up, You would hunt me like a lion;
And again You would show Your power against me."
Job 10:15-16 (NASB)
O) This is the epitome of a "Catch 22" found in the life and words of Job. He continued to assert his innocence, but here he realizes a futility in his plea. The predicament is that, even if he is righteous, he cannot lift up his head, because he knows he is unworthy. That would make his act haughty and therefore unrighteous. Job sees how miserable his situation is, because there is no human solution. This is an excellent example of our need for a savior. There was no solution for Job within his own ability or power.
A) This passage exposes the need for external salvation. We do not have the power, means, ability, or design "within us" to solve the problem of sin. While Job's behavior was righteous, he knew he was still unworthy to approach God. He was still a sinful creature, unholy, unable to approach his Maker without that act of approach being a behavioral sin. This feels incredibly similar to me, to the tricky bits of humility. There is no solution to arrogance within myself. If I am only ever trying to deflect praise, recognition, or accolades, then it will only serve to tear apart the confidence I have in the abilities God has given me. It isn't humility, it is a denial of my Creator. Only considering myself, though, there is no solution. It is an aimless deflection that does not fulfill God's purpose. The solution is not deflection, but reflection. I am created for His glory. If I am successful, and I deflect, that is still robbing the LORD of His due glory. If I reflect that praise onto Him, though? That is humility. That reflection honors Him, apart from me. I rely on my Creator to do well, and also to be humble about it. So, in more ways than one, I cannot be humble without Him. I will not be humble by my (sinful) nature, so I need Him to change me. I cannot be humble without my Creator receiving glory, so I need to reflect it onto Him.
P) Father, You are mighty and sovereign, showing grace and goodness to those You wish to give it. I do not want to rob You of the glory You deserve, by claiming what belongs to You, and neither do I want to rob You by omission. Do not let my lips be silent, but let me praise and thank You for every good gift You have given. You have been exceedingly good to me, and You deserve direct credit for that. Do not let my lips be silent. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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