Lessons from Job
Last week, I received a phone call from a friend who has sunk lower than rock bottom. My friend is one whose trials have made her bitter so she is not open to things of the Lord. I find it fitting that I am reading through the book of Job right now. I’m sure my friend would echo his words:
Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child conceived.” ~Job 3:3
When I say, My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaint; then You scare me with dreams, and terrify me through visions: so that my soul chooses strangling, and death rather than life.” ~Job 7:13-15
My soul is weary of my life. ~Job 10:1
I know a lot of people have hit that place of despair and hopelessness but I love Job’s response. Although he did give in to a bit of self-pity, he refused to curse God (Job 2:9-10), instead desiring to understand why he was going through these things. He begged God to answer him since he had been “a perfect and an upright man, one that fears God, and shuns evil” (Job 1:8).
My heart breaks for those who have let their trials rob their joy. It is so easy to do when the focus is on ourselves and our circumstances but that is why Jesus told His disciples to “Look up and lift up your head, for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28).
Although they can be excruciating at times, the trials and heartaches and suffering that we experience on this earth are truly light and momentary (2 Corinthians 4:17). I would like to encourage you to stop looking down and start looking around you. Take a walk and intentionally notice God’s beautiful creation. Begin to think about the people that God has placed in your life who love you. Maybe you’ve pushed some away so that you could be alone and wallow in your misery. Invite them back into your life so that they can give you the encouragement you need.
Above all, draw near to the Lord. Let Him comfort you as only He can. Rest in His arms for He loves you so much! Being down is not a sin but you do not want to stay there. You will never understand why some things happen in this life but never doubt that you are here for a reason, and that reason is to serve the Lord. Keep pressing on, my friend, and if I can pray for you, please let me know.
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