Bible in a Year… Day 60 (Job 17-18)

Back to Biblical poetry today… Job 17-18.

As I read chapter 17, I’m struck by the seeming randomness of Job’s words. He starts by expressing the hurt he is experiencing, not only due to the suffering of his situation, but also due to the “comfort” of his friends.

Job 17:1-2 (NIV)
¹My spirit is broken,
    my days are cut short,
    the grave awaits me.

²Surely mockers surround me;
    my eyes must dwell on their hostility.

Job continues with pleas to God, and then returns to expressions of hurt and then resolve…

Job 17:7-9 (NIV)
⁷My eyes have grown dim with grief;
    my whole frame is but a shadow.

⁸Upright men are appalled at this;
    the innocent are aroused against the ungodly.

⁹Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways,
    and those with clean hands will grow stronger.

… and closes with one of the ultimate expressions of his pain.

Job 17:15 (NIV)
¹⁵where then is my hope?
    Who can see any hope for me?

I understand what happens when we go through pain and sorrow… we react in a number of different ways, often within short spans of time. Anger… hurt… despair… frustration… immense sorrow… questioning God (why?)… all of these run through our hearts and minds. To see these same reactions in Job here in Scripture just makes this passage all the more real to me.

It’s comforting to know that God allows us to react in accordance with our many emotions. He doesn’t lose patience with us… he simply allows us to feel what we naturally do and respond to Him… even with questions and pleas that may not seem all that right when given a second thought.

Such is the love of God.

He understands our pains and hurts, and allows us to vent. And when our hearts are ready… generally after he softens them supernaturally… He comforts us.

Amazing, isn’t it?