May 10, 2025

Who needs enemies when you have friends like Job's? Eliphaz didn't like Job defending himself against their words and began harassing and accusing him. His main argument against him was that they were older and wiser. Older doesn't necessarily mean wiser, though some still think that way. Being university-educated doesn't mean they're wiser either, but it could mean they're indoctrinated, so be careful who you listen to for advice. If your friend is going through a rough time, don't add to their misery by being reckless with your words. They need comfort, not condemnation. If God sends you to console someone, follow His guidance for what to say. Eliphaz was angry with Job because he didn't accept their counsel, so he added insult to injury. It would have been better for his friends to sit quietly with him, let him pour out his broken heart, and respond with pity rather than try to correct any behavior they thought caused his condition. 

I love that God included this book in the canon of scripture to teach us how to treat one another and how not to react to someone’s misfortune. 

For the congregation of hypocrites shall be desolate, and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery. They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit. Job 15:34-35

May 9, 2025

In the presence of his friends, Job began to talk to God, contemplating his situation. Job’s body was deteriorating, and his hope for a satisfactory life was dwindling. Even though he longed to die, he knew that if his body died, he wouldn’t live again until God destroyed the entire earth, but he knew his spirit would return to God. He had no scriptures to read to tell him these things, yet he was wise enough to understand God’s truths. Job understood that a tree might regrow, being cut off, leaving a stump, but a man cannot regrow; man gives up the ghost and is buried, to be seen no more, but how did he know his spirit would return to God? God must have shared a word of knowledge with him through the Holy Spirit, which happens to us occasionally. The Bible subtly mentions it in the scripture that I’ve included. 

Job sorted things out with God, speaking to Him openly to clarify his understanding. If you are perplexed about your situation, have a conversation with God. As you talk to Him, He will give you answers, which may be part of your discourse. In other words, the words coming out of your mouth may be how God answers you. It works; I do it all the time.

O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands. Job 14:13-15

May 8, 2025

The enemy thought he could sift Job like wheat, but God knew him, and even though he had lost his children and wealth, and his health was in shambles, He expected him to recover. How far down have you gone? Have you gotten to the end of the road with nowhere to turn? Job was so far down that his friends didn’t expect him to return from it, and harassed him, but Job defended himself and rebuked them for their harsh words in his time of need. “Will ye speak wickedly for God? and talk deceitfully for him?” Job asked God to show him his sin, and thought God might be punishing him for his folly as a youth. We know that wasn’t the case, but Job didn’t know. Is your trial a direct result of your sin, or is God allowing you to be tested for faithfulness? Did you pass the test? If you are still being tried, stay in close contact with God, even if it is every moment of the day, and don’t give up or give in. If Job could recover without cursing God or blaming Him, so can you. 

Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. Job 13:15

May 7, 2025

Job had listened to the drivel of Zophar and the other men long enough and decided to defend himself. Clapping back, he called them out on their arrogance, saying, “No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you.” He reminded them he was still wise despite being in a bad situation; his brain didn’t die with his wealth. Then he rebuked them for their conceit, pointing out that God is in charge of every situation, whether good or bad. God can use bad people as well as good people for His purpose. God is sovereign and has dominion over everything, including kings, governments, politicians, and those who think they are powerful. He makes judges fools and kings subject to Him. 

Those who fear what is happening in our government, relax! God is in control and knows what is best for us. If it is the time of the end, good, we go on to glory. If it is not, God knows our situation, and has our best interest in mind as he orchestrates the events. It is useless for us to worry or concern ourselves with it. However, it is entertaining to watch: it keeps our interest and is tantalizing. 

With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding. With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding. Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening. Job 12:12-14

May 6, 2025

Did Job’s friends come to comfort him or to accuse him? Maybe they were only there to discover what he did against God so that they might gloat over their own faithfulness to Him. Zophar chimes in, but is as nasty as Job’s other friends, calling him a liar and a mocker. Something interesting I noticed was that they were only harsh with Job and meticulous not to say anything against God. They spoke of God with great care. Here, Zophar gives us insight into some of God’s attributes. 

1. He gives us less punishment than we deserve.
2. He is perfect.
3. He is immeasurable. 
4. He is unstoppable.
5. He knows what is in our hearts.
6. He is incomprehensible.
7. He is unsearchable. 

Finally, Zophar gives Job some encouragement. He tells him to prepare his heart, turn away from iniquity, and he will be able to turn his face toward God and forget his misery. He reminds him that there is hope, and he will be able to rest in safety and be unafraid. 

If you are going through troubled times, remember who God is, turn to Him, and He will give you rest.

Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. Job 11:7-9

Side note: Is the Earth long and broad? Just a little extra to ponder. Remember, the Bible is God-breathed. 

May 5, 2025

It is useless to think we have any control over our lives. Whatever happens to us, though it may seem that we orchestrate it and have free will, ultimately God is in control and has a plan for us far more superior than anything we can imagine. Do we have free will? I often ask this question because God has a plan for us. Maybe God’s plan is based on how we react to certain situations, and he readjusts His plan when He sees our reaction, but even that doesn’t make sense, being He already knows how we will react. From my questions, you can see why I asked God to fill in some of the gaps in my understanding. If you think you have it all figured out, be careful; God will show you that you don’t. The best we can do is stay rooted in God’s Word, rejoice in what He shows us, worship Him daily, stay constant in prayer, and be thankful for Jesus and our salvation through him. 

In Job 10, Job continues to plead for God’s mercy. He knows that his life is in His hands; God made us and maintains us, so it is best that we submit to Him. There’s that word: submit. Until you learn what that means to God, you will continue to become undone when a crisis hits. 

Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones and sinews. Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit. And these things hast thou hid in thine heart: I know that this is with thee. Job 10:11-13

May 4, 2025

We don't know ourselves as well as God, and it is pointless to think we do. Though Job is broken and crumpled on the floor, he knows his life is in the hands of God and doesn't understand why God didn't take his breath and allow him to die. His response to his friend's accusations and rebuke was humble because he knew he had no power over God. Sometimes, a blanket of God's wrath covers all of us even though we may be innocent; the difference between us and the wicked is the result of life everlasting for us in the presence of our Savior. 

How should we respond when we see someone experiencing suffering? 

1. Stand in awe of God and fear His wrath.
2. Pity and earnestly pray for them because they may not know how to pray for themselves.
3. Keep your thoughts pure about God, and do not question Him because we pity their suffering.

Even in our suffering, we can be grateful for our salvation in Jesus. Our life may not be what we hoped, but our everlasting life will be beyond our comprehension and more joyful than we can imagine. If you are suffering right now, bide your time; your life won't be dismal forever. Set your thoughts on good things until God relieves your misery.

If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time to plead? If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse. Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life. This is one thing, therefore I said it, He destroyeth the perfect and the wicked. Job 9:19-22