Read Job 7:6-21
We finally hear the cry of Job’s heart calling out to God. These words have played over and over for Job, and he is still at a loss for what has happened to him. We sense Job’s misery, it’s palpable. My heart goes out to Job, and my maternal instincts want to take him in my arms and comfort him like only a mother can.
Job realizes that we as humans are so limited by space and time. Our lives are but a flash in the scheme of things. For Job to make such an observation shows he is able to tap into his great wisdom. He is certainly not telling God anything that God doesn’t already know.
Yet Job has opened up the lines of communication with God for all to see. We, too, get a front row seat to witness Job’s side of the conversation with God. We’ve heard how Job has a bit of a death wish, but now he tells God, “I hate my life and don’t want to go on living.” Job believes his life will end soon. At least he hopes it’s soon because he can’t imagine going on not knowing why such tragedy fell on him, his family, and livelihood.
Have you ever felt so desperate? Your situation may look entirely different from Job’s, but that doesn’t negate the pain, the agony, the uncertainty. In my own life, I have known several people, one very close to me, who have succumbed to their pain and ended their own lives. The desperation in Job’s voice would raise lots of red flags today in terms of his mental health and suicidal intentions.
Job shows us how we can cry out to God with our questions and complaints. What God wants from us is to hear from us. Our dialogue with God can and should also include praise and thanksgiving. Understandably, Job is having a hard time doing that right now.
Job wants answers as he cries out to God. “If I have sinned, what have I done to you, O watcher of all humanity?” I can’t imagine what it would feel like to be punished and not know why. We know Job gives God the credit for both his prior blessed life and the current curse of death and destruction he has just lived through. Dealing with that dynamic is also hard to fathom.
So what do we take away from this reading other than feeling compassion for Job? For me, it’s how Job doesn’t hold back from God and let’s God know how he’s feeling. How many times do we let ourselves “get real” with God?
The psalms are full of laments of David as he is crying out to God during his life. The book of Psalms is a great place for us to go when we are wanting a prayer of lament we may not be able to pray ourselves. Remember you are not alone in your grief. Psalm 6 is a psalm you can use yourself or pass along to someone who needs the prayer.
Let’s pray. LORD, my heart breaks for Job and how he struggled so with not knowing why his life was in shambles. Likewise, I know there are many hurting people of faith today who struggle with their own calamities. I pray for strength in times of trial and trust you are there providing for my needs, even when I cannot see. Forgive me when I let myself dwell in negative places and let doubts creep in. Fill me anew so I can shine my light for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
