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MISPLACED THOUGHTS
TUESDAY, APRIL 12
Job 3:11-19

Psalm 119:97-104

 

“…the sufferings of this present time

are not worthy to be compared…”

 

MISPLACED THOUGHTS
 
When severe difficulty comes into our lives, our Christian testimony faces its greatest testing and, once again, we must remind ourselves that one of the most difficult tests is a severe chronic illness. Job now looked at his present situation and expressed the wish that he had died at birth (Job 3:11-13), having allowed the hardships of the moment to colour everything. This hides all the joys of God’s tomorrow. Job cried out in his sorrow that whether rich, poor, or even still-born, those in the grave were better off than he (Job 3:11-15).
 
Job said that if he had to be born, it would have been better if he had been still-born. Then, he could have hidden in the grave and never experienced the days of misery that had come upon him (Job 3:16). He longed for rest from his sufferings, such rest as he saw coming to slaves and prisoners when death released them from their sorrows (Job 3:17-19). We should not be too harsh with Job for his rash statements as he did not have the inspired Scriptures for guidance. He probably had no written Word of God at all, but had to rely on revelation passed down from Adam.
 
As we listen to Job’s complaints, we realise it is not the suffering that drove him to such despair but rather the feeling that God had deserted him. Job obviously lacked revelation concerning the universal conflict into which believers are drawn. He did not seem to know that the sufferings of this present world could result in spiritual growth and blessings. He certainly did not have the light of the New Testament to remind him that his present suffering would seem as nothing in light of the glory that awaits all of God’s children (Rom 8:18).
 
Since we know these truths from God’s Word, we are better prepared to pass through times of suffering and hardship than Job. Let us be faithful to seek God’s instruction and strength when He leads us through the deep waters of difficulty.
 
THOUGHT: Why did Job make such shocking statements?
PRAYER: I thank Thee, Father, that Thy Word gives light even in my darkest hours.

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