“My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Ps 73:26). 

Job rewinds his life back to its beginning: the baby’s first cry, the parents’ joy. If only it never happened! 

Times of testing test friendships, too. “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Prov 17:17). 

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you” (Isa 43:2). When, not if. Through, not into. 

Yes, he’s a bully. He picks on the vulnerable, kicking us when we’re down. But just wait till Jesus shows up! 

“Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty?” (Job 11:7). 

Coming from the same mouth, curses poison blessings until you can’t tell them apart (Jas 3:10-12). 

’Tis the set of the sails, And not the gales, That determines the way we go.” —Ella Wheeler Wilcox 

A bird doesn’t sing out of duty or duress, but because it has a song within and must sing it. 

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Prov 27:1). That’s for sure!