As Michael has said, when he studies a particular book of the Bible, he begins to see it in his own life. Studying the Book of Job, especially with this wonderful group of people, has really shown me the truth of this. There are so many things that Job says that I can relate to. For example, in Chapter 29 when he says "Oh, that I were as in the months past! as in the days when God watched over me." God never abandons us, but at times it feels as if he has. How do we reconcile this? Job's struggles, his questions, his despair in the eyes of what he sees as the injustice of his situation have been mine at times.
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Current Study - The Prophet Isaiah in Advent
Dates: Monday Evenings, Beginning November 28
Starting times. 7:30 pm EST.
Ending times 8:30 pm EST.
Virtual online study.
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Week 3
In this session in conjunction with the Advent confessional, I find myself thinking about the relief process (what is my relief/letting go). Out of many, I took on the relief process in past pain and discomfort, with forgiveness. Which for me is letting go past hurts, Father reminded me the person that cause the pain/discomfort has moved on through death or other means. I found myself thinking I am in a holding tank and won't move forward. (crazy???) My act of Penance is to call out their names, and from my heart, say I forgive them and myself. After two days, I begin to feel light and refresh.
After the process of "relief,"( which is an exercise of forgiveness breathing in/out) I am at the stage of release, I continue to pray the prayer Come Holy Spirit and guide me on this journey of true believth and trust in the power of Jesus's name. In my letter to God, I open myself to listen. My release continues ongoing, with daily forgiveness from my heart that would allow me to move forward. To believe more firmly in the power in the name of Jesus. (believing and trusting from my heart).
Barbara, the opening line of Chapter 29 is very reflective. Job is shaking his head, perhaps looking for justice to return. One thing we can do is believe. Like the father told Jesus, "I believe, help my unbelief." Mark 9:24. This prayer has helped me on many occasions, and even more now then ever. I really have to trust God, especially when you know deep down inside you made a bad choice that may cost you for years to come. I need God to help me as well. So I pray, "Lord I believe, Help ,my unbelief."