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Periodically - usually about once a year - I read through the book of Job. Like most people, I struggle with the reality of suffering in this world. I try to placate my struggles with the idea that suffering is good for a person. I think we all know and believe that going through hard times can make you a better person. There is a wonderful scripture in Ecclesiastes that teaches this:"Sorrow is better than laughter, for by a sad countenance the heart is made better. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth." - Ecclesiastes 7:3-4
I know that the suffering that I've gone through in my life has made me a better person - more mature, wiser and more trusting in God. But there are other types of suffering in this world that have no explanation, like the suffering of children for example. Try as I might, I just cannot come up with any good reason or explanation for it. So back I go to the book of Job.
Job was able to put a voice to the very question that I have - Why? And God answered him in three of the most amazing chapters in the Scriptures, chapters 38-41. And in those chapters I realize that if I were able to voice my questions to Almighty God even today, that He would answer me the same as he did to Job those many ages ago:
"Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me."
"Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined it's measurements? Surely you know!"
"Would you indeed annul My judgement? Would you condemn Me that you may be justified?"
And Job's reply says it all for me:
"I have heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes."
And in those chapters my soul is satisfied - satisfied in the magnificent wisdom of God. Satisfied that He is good and just and merciful. Satisfied for another year or so - until the struggle builds up again and I return again to the book of Job.
Whatever the circumstance, whatever the trial, whatever befalls me, I have learned to trust Him. Indeed we serve a sovereign God. Nothing else will satisfy the questions and the heartaches we face. Jesus Himself tells us there will be tribulations, yet He would give us peace in the midst. Sometimes the peace revolves around simply knowing He is sovereign.
ReplyDeleteJob had an experience of meeting God. Isaiah had an experience of meeting God. When we see God as a Holy God, what a difference there will be in how we see ourselves.
Yes, the words of Job ring in my heart when I get full of my questions. "Therefore I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes."
The 'peace that passes all understanding' will reign in our hearts and lives once we truly believe in God's sovereign rule over all things.
ReplyDeleteEstablishing oneself in knowing, believing and trusting that God is indeed sovereign over ALL does indeed bring peace to one's heart. Our circumstances may not be peaceful, but we can be at peace. The peace CAN be constant, but much too often I have to search the Scripture, talk to myself and choose to believe God's ways are higher than my ways.
ReplyDeleteDo you find it interesting that we really don't want to think or write about judgement nor do we really want to think or write about suffering?
ReplyDeleteFrom a personal stand, I know that suffering is an enhancement to our character. In bible study this morning, we talked about Peter. What suffering he must have gone through when he denied Christ, but if you read his story, what an awesome man of God he became. A lot of our suffering is self induced, by not obeying God's word. I know I can stand on the promises of God even though some suffering must be endured. He will never leave nor forsake me.
ReplyDelete