Whoa!

At the conclusion of a miserable season ending play-off match in which our own Carolina Panthers suffered a crushing defeat by Arizona (in a game they'd been favored to win by 9) the word that comes to mind right now is "woe". Woe is we, and woe is he. Jake Delhomme, that is.

The poor guy threw a team record six interceptions, and if I'm not mistaken, it was his birthday. I think I can confidently say that it was NOT a happy birthday.

Possibly right now he's feeling a little like Job--kinda like "if it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all"--you know the song. But even such a horrible showing as Jake and his teammates had tonight, their misfortune pales in comparison with Job's.

Chapters 21-23 reveal that Job is continuing to have to defend himself against the baseless accusations of his friends while remaining devastated by the impression that God has completely abandoned him. I simply cannot fathom that degree of darkness, loneliness, or hopelessness. In verse 15 of chapter 23, Job mentions that he is terrified in God's presence--a significant acknowledgment of his awareness of God's incomprehensible power and sovereignty.

Scripture affirms that the beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord (Prov. 9:10) yet some days I have come to him casually--as if he's my old buddy and pal. Worse still are the times I may have approached him as a sort of cosmic Santa Claus. Woe. I mean whoa. Hold everything. God have mercy on me when I've failed to come before you with the proper reverence and respect. You deserve it. I owe it. I'm sorry.