HOPE IN THE FACE OF HUMAN TRAGEDY AND SUFFERING
October 18, 2024STRINGS, SECURITY AND THE SAVIOUR
October 20, 2024Job is a point in case for many a study on suffering and pain. He is an excellent example of how to handle life and move forward steadfastly, when all things come crumbling down, around us. In one sentence – Job chose to live, and not “die” when hit with a ton of problems. Praise God for Job and his response.
Job has so many things to teach us. There is so much to learn from his life and his response. For our meditation, we will consider three lessons.
1- JOB CHOSE TO LOOK TO THE LORD, AND NOT AT HIS PROBLEMS
– “20 Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped.” – Job 1:20
2- JOB CHOSE TO SEE ALL THINGS WITH A POSITIVE FRAME OF MIND
– “21 And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD. 22 In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.” – Job 1:21-22
3- JOB CHOSE TO THANK GOD, AND NOT COMPLAIN
– “9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” 10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.” – Job 2:9-10
Job’s extraordinary response is a reflection of his intimacy with God, his deep and thorough understanding of God, and the finiteness of human beings and our frailty. This clear understanding, gave Job, the much needed strength, to respond the way he did, in the face of such catastrophic events.
How would we respond, if we are in Job’s place? What thoughts would run in our hearts and minds? What would tumble out of our lips? May we desire, more than anything else, to walk ever so closely with the LORD our God, who is the source of all strength, courage and comfort. Even so, the LORD help us.
