Job got to his feet, ripped his robe, shaved his head, then fell to the ground and worshiped. – (Job 1:20, MSG)
When Job heard this, he got up, tore his clothes, and shaved his head to show his sadness. Then he fell to the ground to bow down before God. – (Job 1:20, ERV)
Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship. – (Job 1:20, NLT)
A few days ago, I passed the one-month mark with my back injury. Typically, I am extraordinarily active, and I participate in high impact workouts at least six days per week. In order for my compression fracture to heal, I was instructed to do no high impact activities. This has left me with few options, and the lack of adrenaline and endorphins released from merely walking, seem to be taking its toll. I am weary, restless, and fighting the darkness that tries to pull me down. The only thing that has kept me somewhat sane in this state of waiting, is an abundance of walking, encouraging friends, and the turning up of my worship music and singing along with all that I am.
This morning, as I read about Job and all of the horrible loss that he endured, as well as how he responded, I am again reminded of what matters most, and how to best combat the fear and frustration. Worship does wonders. As we remove our focus from ourselves and our own situations, and instead fix our eyes and hearts on Him who deserves all of our attention, something shifts and the unbearable becomes bearable. Our burdens are no longer ours alone, and we see Him who is seated on the throne. God who is worthy of all of our worship, is the only One who can see us through our storms. May we mourn what need be mourned, then, despite our sorrow, set our hearts to worship the One who will carry us until our strength is renewed. Let every heart lift praise to our Prince of Peace.
When all’s going wrong,
The struggle is new;
There’s one place to turn,
Where Love sees us through.
The Lord is our strength,
No matter our state;
As we choose worship,
His love lifts the weight.
He helps bear burdens,
Too heavy for us;
Shines light in darkness,
Grants peace through Jesus.
Despite the struggle,
God is always good;
Let us choose worship,
His grace understood.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are always good and worthy of our worship. Thank You that despite what we have going on in or around us, You are with us and willing to remain present. Forgive us for allowing our circumstances to dictate our view of You, rather than allow You to shape our view of what is going on in and around us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would seek You and worship You in all things and at all times. Show us how to worship You in spite of what we see, and lead us to love others in such a way, that they too may see how kind and loving You are to all who seek You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we mourn what need be mourned, but recognize in all things, that You deserve our worship. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
For the Lord your God will bless you, …and your joy will be complete. – Deuteronomy 16:15
Revelations In Writing 
Your journey is inspiring! Years ago, I suffered a back injury that took more than six months to heal. A couple of months in, when I was really growing impatient with it and after a lot of nights awake and in pain just staying in the Word, I dreamed that I was skipping down the steps like my youngest son. At that point in my journey, I could barely walk down the steps. From that day on, I experienced nearly daily improvement. It took four months more, but I haven’t even had a twinge of pain since. I have also become much more of a fitness enthusiast. Healing sometimes comes in drops; but they are beautiful drops!
You give so much to others; prayers your way, Shannon, that God bless you richly and heal your back completely!