Bible Chapter: Job 17 & 18

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.
    Job continued his response to his “friends”.  He was crushed by their mocking and taunting.  He prayed that God would defend him.  His life was shattered and his hopes had been crushed.  He felt deserted and rejected.  He said his friends had betrayed him for their own advantage.  Job held on to his belief in the rightness of his cause.  He still felt that he was innocent. He was always ready to humble himself toward God and in front of his friends.  Job trusted that somehow he would eventually find peace even though the circumstances made this seem impossible.
    Bildad responded and still didn’t get it.  He said Job wasn’t speaking sense.  He talked again about the bad things that happen to the wicked.  The accusations continued that Job had done something evil and he was reaping the results of those actions.  The chapter ends with the accusation that this is the home of a wicked person, one who rejected God.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    At this point in the narrative we still see that Job has not falsely accused God.  He has not made rash accusation against Him.  He believed in the rightness of his cause.  He was not arrogant and remained humble.  These are good lessons to learn and apply.  Learning from hard times is just as important as enjoying and learning from good times.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Learn to keep a good attitude and focus.  It is so easy to get sidetracked and angry.  Frustration comes easily and quickly.  Job gives a good example of how to respond.