01/25/18 Understanding . . . and Grief

READING: Job 14-17

My face has grown red with weeping, and darkness covers my eyes.”

Job 16:60

It’s hard to consider the grief that Job carried daily. So deep was his pain that he spoke of having “sewn sackcloth over my skin” (Job 16:15)—an image that illustrates ongoing and pervasive sadness. His tears had been many; in fact, he said, “My face has grown red with weeping” (Job 16:16). He still proclaimed himself innocent, so much so that he could say, “My hands are free from violence and my prayer is pure” (Job 16:17).

Weary. Grieving. Weeping. Even set up as God’s target (Job 16:12). Whether or not he spoke up in his condition, nothing was changing. God had worn him out, in his terms (Job 16:7).

It must have been difficult in that state. Indeed, it’s even difficult to read these graphic pictures of Job’s condition, knowing that a man who feared God was now targeted by the arrows of the enemy. Trusting God in situations like this one is often difficult, too.

As a pastor, I work with people who may not have experienced Job’s severe testing, but who nevertheless face their own ongoing battles. Unlike Job’s friends, I don’t know all the answers. I can’t explain why God orchestrates events to lead to tragedy. I’m often left asking the “why” question myself, even when the pain isn’t mine. I’ve wept tears that seemingly would not stop—and some of the weeping came from a sense of, “I don’t know what to do here.” 

But then again, I do know the end of the story. I’m blessed to hold the scriptures in my hand—scriptures that tell me that He will never leave me nor forsake me (Heb. 13:5), that He is still in the process of conforming me to the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29), and He is the King of Kings and Lord of lords (Rev. 17:14). With these truths in mind, I can face whatever today brings, even if I don’t understand it.

ACTION STEPS: 

  • As repetitive as it sounds from previous readings, trust God even when you don’t understand.
  • Feel free to grieve whatever pain you have, but then prayerfully give that grief back to God.

PRAYER: “Father, help me when my faith struggles.”

TOMORROW’S READING: Job 18-21

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