I recently was reading in the book of Job. I took the liberty to write up the story from Job 29-31 in a sort of summary and story. I hope it blesses you as you read.
Job remembered the good old days when God cared for him—excellent care. In those days, God gave him light even in the dark. God’s friendship was so real to him.
God was a blessing. His family gathered around, and everything seemed to go his way.
Young and old greeted him respectfully. People honored him everywhere he went. When he spoke, people paid attention. People talked well of him because he had an excellent reputation for helping people. He always tried to help the less fortunate, whom others might have ignored or even abused.
He was healthy, respected, listened to, and a leader.
But then it all changed.
From one day to the next, he was the butt end of their jokes. People who were failures in their families and their businesses now mocked him and abused him.
Job, in his darkest hour, felt abandoned by God.
People attacked him from his blind side. They tripped him and jumped on him. They were determined to destroy him, and no one lifted a finger to help.
His dignity was gone. His life was ebbing out. He was sick, alone, and hurting.
He questioned what he had done to bring all of this on himself. He felt like God, who had blessed him before, was tormenting him now. It felt like God had raised him only to drop and smash him.
Every day, he awoke to more suffering, being alone. Job endured the hidden sun and howling wind, bundling up for warmth.
Job considered it. Was what was happening to him right and fair? He looked over his life, wondering why God was so angry with him.
Job considered it and considered that the same God who made him made those who sought to destroy him.
Job longed for a fair trial where others could truly hear him. He longed for someone to listen to both sides of the story, to understand his suffering.
Job clung to the hope that if only he could make himself heard, people and God would see him in a different light.
Quotes to Consider
Give a Gift of Truth for Christmas
