Read Job 6:1-7:5
Job’s response to Eliphaz didn’t surprise me, did it you? He felt totally exposed and blamed by Eliphaz. Job was suffering greatly, and it did not help him at all to feel like he was being reprimanded by his friend. After all that Job had endured, he felt like he had a “right to complain.” I agree with Job on that.
People complain all the time about one thing or another. Like the weather for instance. Either it’s too hot, too cold, too humid, too rainy, too sunny, you get the idea. People are never content. But Job’s contentedness, or lack thereof, had nothing to do with something so trivial as the weather. Yet people get away with complaining all the time, why couldn’t Eliphaz let Job vent a little bit?
Although Job seems to blame God for what happened, he never speaks badly of God or turns away. Rather, Job begs God to end his misery. Job can’t think past the present pain in this moment. He wants it to end and believes the only way possible is for God to take his life.
Though there does seem to be a glimmer of hope in Job’s heart, ever so dim. Job said he can take comfort in the fact he has “not denied the words of the Holy One.” You can imagine the restraint Job had to use; his obedience to God is faultless. Quite commendable considering the circumstances.
It should be a comfort for all of us when we trust in the LORD. We may not like what the LORD is allowing to happen, but we all know that bad things happen. I like how the book of Job helps us see and believe that God isn’t the one bringing the doom to our lives, but he hasn’t stopped it for some reason either. It’s our job to trust God.
Is God still teaching us lessons today? I think so. We probably all have a different story to tell on this topic. I can look back at my life and see all sorts of lessons along the way. At the time, they seemed like low points or overly busy times. I learn God’s lessons a lot slower when I’m not in regular conversation with him. I’m guessing Job was having a hard time staying open with God.
We do know Job desires kindness and understanding from his friends, not rebuke. Job’s expectations may be helpful for us to hear when we approach a tragic circumstance with our own friends. We’ve already seen that just sitting with and mourning together was met positively. We haven’t heard Job tell his friends to leave because they aren’t wanted or needed. We can be kindhearted in our approach, and words may not even be needed at all.
I was so happy when Job retorted with these words towards the end of our reading. “Stop assuming my guilt, for I have done no wrong. Do you think I am lying? Don’t I know the difference between right and wrong?” There is additional pain when you recognize you’re being disciplined but have no idea why you are being punished. Most of the time we try to avoid punishment when even we know we deserve it.
Just so we don’t forget, Job reminds us of his physical woes, too. We remember his friends barely recognized him. I have to admit, I’m not sure I’d be able to stomach such a sight. Job’s situation is dire, yet his faith endures.
Let’s pray. LORD, I sit here in your presence so grateful to be alive and healthy. I even thank you for the struggles you’ve put in my life. They are manageable when I put my trust in you. Help me to stand strong and focused on you when the world would try and pull me away. Job’s example can help us in so many different areas of our life. But mostly, never denying you and your wisdom is a great truth I can live by. Continue your work in me as I strive to be better each day. I want to be the person you have made me to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
