Job 19 expresses a man beaten down, discouraged, despised yet a morsel of hope shines.
In verse 25, after the cruel, judgmental words of his "friends," he reaches deep and remembers "I know that my Redeemer liveth..."
Recent days have been carried with an extremely heavy burden. A dear believer who suffered unbearable loss early this year and is still in jeopardy of losing it all. I have helped where I believe the Lord wanted and watched the burden for this believer get heavier. Still, like Job I'm reminded that "my Redeemer liveth." I know He's coming back soon, like He said. I know I may go the way of all men, by the grave, before He comes and that's okay. I trust Him.
Acknowledging, like Job, that "my words are written" in this format is comforting. It gives validation to this life I'm living. Sixty-one years old, struggling with finding the right job before retirement, days melt into weeks, into months, into years. Watching a parent age, yet still glad the one is with me. Bearing the burden that is my life, is it such a burden as Job had?
I think not. I have reasonable health. Fairly sound mind. A local assembly to attend every time I can. Purpose in that assembly. Family, who know I'm here if needed. A blessed grandchild, who is the light of my heart and pure delight each time I get to see her. One true friend whom I may share almost anything and she with me, even if miles separate us. I'm thankful for the phone!
Last week, whilst teaching Sunday School we looked at "Good things and Bad things" in our lives. However, instead of focusing on "good things" we learned how "bad things could be good," when seen through first the lens of First Thessalonians 5.18; "in everything give thanks..." This verse also pairs with Romans 8.28, "for we know that all things work together for good..." I took time to explain to the young ones the why of when things don't go your way or when you don't get what you think you need or want in life, why those things could actually be good. I wanted them to think in this way to avoid the frustration, heartbreak and loneliness of waiting on the perceived "good things."
Jobs friends judged him wrongly in all the burdens that had befallen him. I too have examined my life to find reason for the harsh burdens. I understand my part, when years ago the Holy Spirit instructed me to "wait." I did not and these twenty plus years I am still reaping that decision. I cannot deny, it saddens me when I think on it but I "know my Redeemer liveth," and "ever liveth to make intercession (for me). (Heb 7.25)
Like Job won't you find a place to write down what you are feeling and thinking? Things seem so much clearer in written format. It actually serves to shine light where feeling and thinking are flawed and contrary to scripture.
Whether anyone ever reads these words or no, it has encouraged this believer. God bless and keep you is my prayer. Ps 57.7
