Definition: If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him;
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Job 11:13 – “If you prepare your heart, and stretch out your hands toward him.” Essentially, this verse is a call to action and resilience in the face of adversity. It's offering a strategy for dealing with something truly difficult. Here’s a more detailed explanation: “Prepare your heart…” – This means to calm your thoughts, soothe your emotions, and put aside any anger, fear, or resentment you might be holding onto. It’s about taking a step back from the immediate situation and considering it with a clear mind. “…and stretch out your hands toward him…” - This is where the action comes in. It's not just about thinking calmly; it’s about doing something – reaching out, offering support, or seeking help. “Him” likely refers to God (or a higher power), but it can also represent any challenging force or situation. “Stretching your hands” signifies extending yourself and your efforts towards overcoming this challenge. So, the overall message is: It’s not about avoiding hardship; it's about actively working to overcome it through courage, faith, and a willingness to engage with whatever challenges you face. What does this mean in practical terms? It suggests that when we are facing something tough – whether it’s loss, disappointment, or a difficult situation – we can't just sit back and be defeated. We need to actively prepare our hearts and reach out for help or strength. Does this verse mean you should do anything? No! It doesn’t say "do this." It says “Prepare your heart.” It’s a suggestion, a call to action – to take control of your response rather than being passively swept away by it. --- Do you want me to: Explain the verse in more detail? Give examples of how this verse might be applied in real life? Offer a different interpretation of the verse?