Job Cries Out from the Depths of Despair

Have you ever felt the depths of despair? Have you ever found yourself looking up at the bottom of the bucket? Have you ever felt you’re hanging onto your last thread? Today’s Bible reading records Job’s words. And those words reveal a pretty bleak outlook.

Can you imagine today’s prosperity gospel purveyors making the confessions that Job cries out today? I can’t because their false gospel is so out of touch with the reality of the life of a Believer. Any Believer in Jesus Christ. And their false gospel is so out of touch with the reality of the Bible. Jesus promised that in this life, we would have suffering. (John 16:33)

I have told you these things
so that in me you may have peace.
You will have suffering in this world.
Be courageous!
I have conquered the world.”
John 16:33 (CSB)

Application

I think that one of the reasons it’s so important for Believers to read the book of Job is to realize its relevance. Here we are, thousands of years later, dealing with the same questions that Job dealt with. Job was a righteous man. But he wasn’t perfect. God could handle Job’s complaints. God can handle your complaints. God can handle your questions. He won’t strike you dead if you dare to question Him.

But know this. God doesn’t owe you answers. He may never answer your questions. He may never give explanations.

But also know this: God is God and you aren’t. God has a bigger plan than you do. God is bringing you through this season in order to make you more like Jesus. (Romans 8:28-29) God is good all the time. And God in His infinite wisdom does as He pleases. (Psalm 115:3)

Finally, know this: You may feel that you’re hanging onto your last thread, struggling with all of your might. Regardless of how weary you are, regardless of how panicked you feel, if you are a Believer, you are in a covenant relationship with your Father.

God is holding onto you. And He will never let you go!