“For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept: then had I been at rest, With kings and counsellors of the earth, which built desolate places for themselves; Or with princes that had gold, who filled their houses with silver: Or as an hidden untimely birth I had not been; as infants which never saw light.” Job 3:13-16 (KJV)
Tragedy strikes the Job family. Wealth is stolen, property is destroyed, business is ruined, and worst of all children are killed. Then, as this godly father tries to deal with the loss, his body breaks out in painful boils and his wife counsels him to curse God and die. Job, however, refuses to reject God responding to his wife, “What shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?” (2:10) [Consider this mini-sermon: “In all this Job did not sin with his lips.”]
The circumstances, however, prove too much for even godly human beings. After seven days of silent consideration, Job wishes that he had never been born. The emotional and psychological pain is more than he can bear. In response to the horrors of this tragedy, Job curses his birth. He cannot comprehend how he could live and enjoy life while all his children are dead. It isn’t fair! At least, if he had not been born then he would be at peace.
It is a natural, human response to want good and happy circumstances to continue uninterrupted. But, like Job, we all know that both good and bad circumstances are a part of human life. When tragedy strikes and hopelessness attacks us, we feel alone, afraid, and paralyzed from action. Perhaps our self-worth dissolves into self-doubt and confidence is swallowed up in despair. Like Job, our tunnel of darkness seems to have no end, only a blank wall. What do we do?
Job’s resolution to be faithful to God, despite the circumstances, is a good model. He refused to turn away from God. In addition, he rejected every excuse to sin.
Dear Friend, there is hope in God! When you have done everything you know to do, stand firm in the truth. Walk in righteousness and peace. Maintain your faith and salvation. Use the sword of the spirit against the enemy and commit everything to God in prayer.
Dear Father and our God, thank you for your grace and mercy. Empower us with determination today. Enable us to get up out of the ashes of despair and be strong in your strength. We praise and thank you for this victory in advance. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN
Let us praise God for his Word and live in its truth,
Pastor Smith