Calendar

ONLY DESPAIR WITHOUT SCRIPTURE
LORD’S DAY, MAY 8
Job 17:10-16

Psalm 139:1-6

 

“Such knowledge is

too wonderful for me…”

 

ONLY DESPAIR WITHOUT SCRIPTURE
 
Job, in his frustration, challenged his friends who came to him again and again with their dogma. No matter how often they proclaimed that difficulties only come into a man’s life because of sin, Job knew differently. If they had been wise men, they would be able to see the truth of Job’s situation and help him with sound advice, but they had no wisdom to give him (Job 17:10).
 
Job stood and looked out at his life and saw it shattered. His plans were in ruin; his possessions, prestige and family gone. He had no desire now for anything but to see his miserable life come to an end and, in the midst of it all, his friends turned truth around with their ungodly advice so that night became day and confusion reigned (Job 17:11-12). Job lacked clear understanding of many spiritual truths because he did not have God’s written Word to guide him. Therefore, he lapsed into deeper despair, seeing death as his only relief from suffering. Everything he lived for had been destroyed. In this life, he no longer had any hope (Job 17:12-16).
 
We see in Job’s words the end of those who lose sight of the fact that God is still on the throne. Job had to face his suffering at a time when he probably did not have much of the Old Testament and had none of the New. God’s Word assures us that our suffering will never be more than we can bear (1 Cor 10:13). How wonderful for us in life’s darkest moments, when despair almost overcomes us, to have this promise! Suffering for righteousness is often a part of the Christian life (1 Pet 3:14). When we have the Scriptures, it strengthens us for such times.
 
May we, in times of difficulty and trouble, cling to God’s Word and its promises, knowing that the Lord Jesus Christ will meet our every need.
 
THOUGHT: Why did Job sink into such deep despair?
PRAYER: Father, Thou art the sovereign God. No difficulty comes into my life by chance.

Search