S) "20 Why is light given to him who suffers,
And life to the bitter of soul,
21 Who long for death, but there is none,
And dig for it more than for hidden treasures,
22 Who rejoice greatly,
And exult when they find the grave?"
Job 3:20-22 (NASB)
O) After a week of sitting in silence with his visiting friends (see Acts 2:13), Job finally spoke. The entirety of chapter 3, is a lament for the day of his birth. He essentially concedes that it would have been better if he had never been born. The verses above, though, strike to the root of his lament, and reveal the true concern of his heart, amid his many words. In many ways, this same question is the one asked of everyone who ever suffers any hardship. The details of the circumstances may be different, but the essential question is, "Why do I have to suffer?" While the answer can have different levels of impact, or can have varying details, there is an essential point to be made before even attempting the answer: It is okay to ask this question. Just like every interaction with the LORD, though, if the question is going to be asked, it cannot be asked in arrogance, but in a humble confession of pain and confusion, and a genuine desire to know the will of the Father God.
A) The main thing for me to do with this verse, is to remember that I can ask this of God. In the midst of pain and sorrow, anguish and heartache, I can ask Him why. Just like in parenting, our Father God being sovereign, has every right to answer my question with a simple, "Because I said so." However, I don't think that is His heart. While the LORD is not always forthcoming with the details of His will in every circumstance, I fully believe He desires the relationship with Him that can come to fruition from these questions. I think this is what it means when Jesus said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4). The next most obvious answer I think I would hear, is that my suffering allows for His glory to be revealed. While that may seem unfair, I again have to submit to His sovereignty, and remember that my life is not my own, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, since I was redeemed by Him. Job's suffering served a great purpose! While my life is not likely to reach the same level of impact, it can still glorify God. But, both of those answers have just been answered... so should I still ask the question? I think so. Ultimately, God may still reveal details that I might not otherwise see. In the end, the question is about seeking my Father God in the middle of my hurting, and that is always the right move.
P) Father, I seldom see my life fully, from Your perspective, but I submit to Your sovereignty. You are just, holy, righteous, and good to me. In whatever You allow into my life, remind me that it's okay to humbly ask why. First and foremost, let me seek You in the day of trouble. Simply finding You in the middle of my grief, in the middle of my mourning, means that I will find comfort and peace in the presence of my Father God. I am already humbled and comforted, knowing that Your Spirit is my Comforter in those times. It was always Your desire to meet me in my most painful places. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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