RPG Adults
CONFUSION AND DESPAIR
MONDAY, JUNE 6
Job 30:16-19
Psalm 146
When Satan tempts and doubt and
fears assail, look to the Lamb of God.
CONFUSION AND DESPAIR
It is sad to see a Christian who is confused and in despair concerning the trials of life. As this account unfolds, this was Job’s position. We need to remind ourselves once again, however, that he did not have the written revelation of God. Nevertheless, God would have comforted Job if he had not fixed his mind on his sufferings and, through human reasoning, became confused. Due to this, he could not dwell on the promises of God and find comfort there.
As God’s people, we must be careful not to allow all this to happen to us. At the same time, we must be gentle with the children of God who are going through great times of difficulty and are confused and discouraged. We should endeavour to help them see the truth of God’s promises and understand His workings and power.
Job started this part of his lament talking about the terrible physical suffering that he was undergoing. He saw his life ebbing away and felt, as it were, pain in the very bones of his body (Job 30:16-17). Perhaps, the very worst thing of all, however, was that God seemed to overcome him by His mighty power. That same power that once worked on his behalf now seemed to be crushing him with one tragedy after another.
From time to time in the Psalms, it seemed to King David that God’s people were in danger of being destroyed. He would cry out, even as Job, and say: “Lord, you have seen what is happening, do not remain silent, do not be far from me, move Thyself, Lord, to work on my behalf ” (Job 30:18-19; Ps 35:22-23).
We must be sure not to fix our minds on our troubles, but on God’s promises and faithfulness. This will prevent us from sinking into this kind of despair and enable us to live with assurance and joy even in the face of great difficulties.
THOUGHT: Why was Job in such despair?
PRAYER: Father, may I live each day looking unto Jesus.