January 12, 2022 - Job 17-20

Depression and despair are dark places where the promise for tomorrow is removed and nothing, but hopelessness can be seen. Because of the circumstances, counsel of friends, and the silence of God, Job states people misunderstood him, and his name had become a byword for misery and futility.

In such a state of despondency, Job's friends bring a fresh barrage of accusations and condemnation. They approach him with a forceful decree that Job needs to acknowledge his wrongs and then the tormentor would cease.

Rereading the words of Job's friends and grasping the challenges they bring should cause us to stop and consider the words we speak to people in distress. Are our words comforting or condemning? Do we speak religious terms and philosophic cliches that end up hurting broken hearts more than if we had kept silent?

Job's words are truthful but go unheeded because of two issues that had occurred. The first, is the attitude and action of Job that God should give him a hearing because he is innocent. The second, is the improper mindset of Job's friends that God only judges the sinner and blesses the righteous.

As we consider this tragic discourse, may we evaluate our attitudes and actions depending on whether we are the accused or the accuser. May we recognize the sovereignty of God and His ability to work in lives as He deems best. Also, may we be careful not to judge the situation too quickly and assume we know what God is doing in someone else's life.

We have friends whose husbands are extremely sick and have called to ask for prayer. My prayer is that my words were Spirit led and brought comfort to those deeply hurting and searching for answers. May we all be slow to speak and careful to lovingly share Christ's words in times of deep distress.