"I Try To Change My Expression and Smile" 

Who cannot relate to Job's frustration? Even if we haven't said what Job said (9.27) we've thought it and attempted it. 

Is there a spiritual 'fruit' or 'gift' or something that can bring me peace and relief in these situations? Actually, the 'fruit' of "peace" is the antidote for frustration.

But first we need to go back and see what Job really was saying in 9.27, "If I say, 'I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression, and smile,' I still dread all my sufferings, for I know you will not hold me innocent. Since I am already found guilty, why should I struggle in vain?"

Ahhhh, the big 'If.' Job is saying 'why try?!' He knows they aren't going to believe him regardless of what he says. And, he feels that these friends don't really want to hear what is going on with him.

Years ago we were attending a neat 80th birthday celebration for a wonderful lady whom I've known, loved and admired my entire life. As my family and I were sitting at a table with other guests, an elderly minister made his way around the tables greeting folks and finally came to us. He raised both hands up as if in surprise to see us at the event and said, "The Huffman's, what on earth have you folks been up to - never mind I don't really want to know..." and he walked on to the next group of guests. That rather confirmed my opinion of the man. It also hints at the attitude of perhaps the majority of people.

Back to the big 'If.' Job is saying in effect, 'I could keep my silence, put on a smile and go on...but I know that you would still think it's all my fault and it wouldn't change the heaviness of my sufferings or the weight I feel on my chest and in my soul. Since you aren't going to understand in any way what I'm going through, why should I even care how I appear to you?'

This is a frustration that can easily lead to depression and despair. Regardless of how little understanding there seems to be in the world around us, God cares! He will be the listening ear, the shoulder to cry on, the One who understands...the 'friend closer than a brother.' God can give "peace, that surpasses understanding."

If you are feeling too fragile to risk the 'if,' try God. I mean, really break it open and lay it all out before Him. Don't even try the brave smile and hopeful optimism with God, just pour it ALL out to Him. It's okay to cry, it's okay to be hurt, angry, broken hearted, despairing...God cares! 

And then will come the "peace." It won't matter then if your old friend, Bildad, thinks it's all your fault. You know that God isn't into the fault finding business. He listens, He  hears, He heals, He lifts you up, He carries you on!

Now THAT will put the smile on your face.