Rēad to Read …Again
Daily Reading: Job 8-10
Job 10:15, 16a
If I be wicked, woe unto me; and if I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head. I am full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction; For it increaseth…
Job is confused. Everyone has visited this imposter, this agent of change, this force called confusion. It is a force. Just like the wind, influence, and so many other aspects of this life, confusion is a force which must be understood and oftentimes withstood.
Sometimes confusion comes from ignorance. Years ago, the Chevrolet Nova was not selling well in Latin America. After some study the reason became very apparent. “No va” in Spanish is translated as “It does not go.” There was a simple answer for the confusion but no doubt, many car sales were lost.
Sometimes confusion is paralyzing. Perhaps the term “Paralyzation through analyzation” is familiar. It speaks of one having so much conflicting data about a subject that making a decision is almost impossible.
Sometimes confusion is brought on by sin. Sin has a way of confusing issues, situations, families and churches. In Daniel 9:8 it is written, O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee.
Anyway, Job was confused. If he would be wicked, he was humbled, if he would be righteous, he was humbled. Either way, he was humbled. Here are a few things to think about when confusion knocks on your heart’s door and your mind’s thoughts.
Confusion always increases unless dealt with. See Job’s comments in the verses above.
Confusion is not of the Lord. I Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Wherever there is envying, strife, or evil works there is confusion. James 3:16
Trust in God is the antidote to confusion. In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion. (Psalm 71:1) Our Lord always has a guiding light on the pathway of confusion.
Conflict brings forth confusion. For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood… (Isaiah 9:5)
The definition of the word confused may help one understand why confusion takes place. “Mixed; blended, so that the things or persons mixed cannot be distinguished.” (Websters 1828) For example, consider the confusion of tongues at the tower of Babel. Various languages were introduced, mixed together, making it difficult for them to understand one another, they were confused.
Years ago a preacher stated in a message a phrase that has become the foundation of every decision in the Howe home. While it is not a Bible quote, it sums up, for us, how to deal with confusion. The phrase is simply this: “If it’s doubtful, don’t do it.” This gives clarity, every time. Confusion is real and must be dealt with, deal with it scripturally, prayerfully, and if needed through the help of counsellors/advisors.
Dr. William T. Howe
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