Bible Chapter: Job 3 & 4
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.After all of the horrible things that happened to Job, he finally began to express his thoughts. He was in a miserable state. He lost almost everything that mattered to him. He was humiliated by the loss and was also in great physical pain. All the evidence pointed to the thought that God had abandoned him. As he began to talk he expressed his honest feelings. This was not a time of great faith and power, it was a time when all seemed hopeless. The good news is that God understands our trials and frustrations.
Job said that his greatest fear had come on him. He loved the presence of God in his life and it appeared that God had rejected him and pulled away. He longed for God’s power and presence to be in his life. He thought God had forsaken him.
When Job quit talking, Eliphaz the Temanite replied. This began a cycle of comments and responses among Job’s comforters. They didn’t turn out to be much comfort. It is important to recognize that their theology was not always correct. They expressed the thoughts that if you are really a righteous person that you will always prosper and not suffer. They missed it.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I don’t think any of us like to suffer. I have had enough experiences of physical pain and problems that I know it is never any fun. It is not fun when things don’t go right. Learning to go through these times continues to be a challenge. I especially don’t appreciate when I am treated in a manner I don’t deserve. I know that Job didn’t specifically deserve what he went through, but he learned much about God. His lessons continue to be important lessons for us all to gain from.
3. How can I help someone?
Learn to trust God. Learn to differentiate between good counsel that comes from God and that which is only some human’s thoughts of what should be. Don’t be afraid to reject bad advice.
