RPG Adults
A LONGING FOR REST
FRIDAY, JUNE 3
Job 29:1-11
Psalm 46:1-7
“Put not your trust in princes,
…in whom there is no help.”
A LONGING FOR REST
A song writer penned these words: “When the road is rough and steep, fix your eyes upon Jesus.” Sometimes, the difficulties of life seem almost more than we can bear. Certainly, this was true of Job. He was suffering unbelievably and he did not know why. Job did not have the Scriptures which could have revealed to him the promises of God, on which he could depend in his trouble. He did not know the wonderful truth about looking to the Lord. Not having the written Word, in his suffering, Job forgot the wonderful comfort which comes from looking to the Lord and depending on His unfailing justice and grace.
He did not understand the great truth that God is always with His people. While we do not always understand what He is doing, we can always rely on His tender care and mercy. We know that in life’s darkest hour, the Lord will be with us and guide us (Ps 27:10-11). Not knowing this, Job thought that his trouble had come because God was no longer with him. He longed for those days when he was sure God was present and leading him (Job 29:1-5).
Seeing the trouble and destruction around him, Job longed for the past days of blessings. In those days, he had wealth, family, and the honour of his people, but now all this was gone and, even worse than losing these things, he felt sure that God’s blessings had also departed (Job 29:6-11). We must remember Job had suffered the loss of not only his wealth but also of his family and his own health. Many of God’s people are called upon to suffer. We may see those we love called from us and our own health deteriorate. Yet, unlike Job, we have the written promises of the completed Scriptures.
Let us rest in these words given to Joshua and later to us: “…I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Josh 1:5). God will never leave us or forsake us, so that we can boldly say in life’s darkest hour that the Lord is our helper (Heb 13:6; Ps 46:1-5).
THOUGHT: Why did Job think God had left him?
PRAYER: May I always remember, Father, that though others fail me, I can always depend on Thee.