Where does Job’s hope lie, and where does our own?
Pause for a moment to reflect back on one of your darkest times. Perhaps you tossed and turned for sleepless nights, futilely attempting to unravel the tangled web created by bad decisions. Perhaps you agonized over a bitter and angry child. Perhaps physical pain incessantly pierced and jabbed at you. Perhaps… Perhaps. No matter what our individual calamities, each one of us has been (or will someday be) there with Job, drained of strength and courage to face even the next hour. Where can we turn? Where can we place our hope? And how?
We may have to venture outside Job chapters 13 and 14 to knit together those slender strands that constitute hope, especially in the midst of the unrelenting pain that chews away at every part of our lives. At this point in his terrible journey, Job contrasted human hope (quite unfavorably) to a chopped down tree. Even though the tree had been destroyed, it sprouted again when watered—not so, with those who sleep in death (14:7–12). With great courage, Job had previously declared that he was prepared to defend himself before God, knowing full well that no godless person could stand in His presence (13:15–16). But like most of our courageous statements, Job’s expectations faded almost as quickly as he spoke them. He was back in the gloom of his torment and suffering. For Job, the steady and irreversible disintegration of mountains and rock in the natural world were a fitting metaphor for the erosion of his hope (14:18–19).
Of course, that is not the end of Job’s story—or ours. We affirm with saints through the ages that our faithful God does restore our lives and comfort us in our pain (Psalm 71:20–21). We believe we will be carried through the deep waters and the ravaging fire (Isaiah 43:1–2). We hold fast to the hope that Jesus is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25–26). And we believe God has the power to do all He’s promised to do (Romans 4:20–24). This means that if we are in Christ Jesus, we have crossed over from death to life—even now! (John 5:24–25). Did you catch that? It’s a truth worth repeating, this time with the apostle Paul’s words, who tells us that right now, this very moment, we are seated in the heavenly realms with Jesus (Ephesians 2:6).
How do we respond? I confess I’m tempted to be a bit skeptical from time to time. You too? Thankfully, there is another path on which to set out at this point. Even from the crucible of our suffering and discouragement, we can take up the mantle of the psalmist. We have the privilege of declaring God’s goodness, of proclaiming the richness of God’s immeasurable and precious grace, and of being increasingly thankful (Psalm 71:14–18). Gratitude trumps grumpiness—every time, in all circumstances. The Apostle Paul affirmed that as well, saying, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Elaine A. Phillips received a BA in social psychology from Cornell University, an MDiv from Biblical Theological Seminary, and an MA in Hebrew from the Institute of Holy Land Studies in Jerusalem, where she and her husband, Perry, studied and taught from 1976–79. She holds a PhD in rabbinic literature, and teaches Biblical Studies at Gordon College. She also serves as a historical geography field instructor for Jerusalem University College. She has published a commentary on Esther in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary; a devotional book, With God, Nothing Is Impossible; and, most recently, An Introduction to Reading Biblical Wisdom Texts.
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66 thoughts on "Job Challenges the Advice of His Friends"
Gratitude over grumpiness! Giving thanks in all circumstances is the place I want to be. The ability to truly be grateful in all circumstances!
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Good word
Lord i seek you for all things!
“gratitude trumps grumpiness”
In Chapters 13 and 14 Job is basically saying… If God is always there to comfort him in times of need, why isn’t he there when Job needs him the most. Job is confused as to why God is allowing all of this terror to happen to him and then not be there to hold his hand through the pain. Job feels betrayed by the Lord but there is something inside of him that is still holding on. Job says that he is waiting for the day of his renewal. This shows that he hasn’t given up on the Lord. We should never give up on the Lord. For he knows more than us. The Lord will always provide for us. Pain and suffering are temporary and will not consume us. Put trust in him and you will be calm. He will never let you down.
Anxiety is a dark, nasty invader who has been tormenting me for years now. It’s counterpart depression has been slowly seeping into my life recently as well. I know in my head, I have so much around me that represents the fullness of God’s grace and his mercy on me. But, it can still be hard to get out of bed or to snap out of a funk. I pray Lord that you help me to see your hand in every step I take today, that my gratitude abounds the evilness Satan is trying to force upon me. Thank you for your sweet mercies and for always comforting me in the dark places!
May you know God is with you every step. He loves you so so much and holds you in his hands. He will never let you go.
I love the quote “Gratitude trumps grumpiness — every time, in all circumstances”
Because it is so true you can’t be in a bad place with a thankful heart
I loved this too! “In alllllll circumstances”
I often need to remind myself of the line by Crowder “Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t heal.”. It’s just a truth that hits me in the face when I just can’t go forth.
Thank you all so much. Things are better now with my husband but the devil has been really working to discourage me in other ways. I have been reading Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyers to help me lean on God to get through my wilderness mentalities.
Excellent book!! I highly recommend following it up with her other book Power Thoughts (Joyce Meyers). It really helps with replacing the thoughts that BOTM tells you to conquer, with powerful and affirming thoughts to help turn your mind to Christ. The two go hand in hand IMO!
On a recent episode of Annie F. Downs’ podcast “That Sounds Fun,” author and speaker Lysa TerKeurst talked gave three practical things to repeat to yourself when you are feeling hopeless and need a fresh reminder of God’s goodness.
1. God is good. (Even when your circumstances are not.)
2. God is good to me. (And if He doesn’t feel like it right now, remind yourself of the last time you experienced his goodness/faithfulness.)
3. God is good at being God (You job is just to be obedient to him today.)
They’re simple but so important to remind ourselves of.
If you want to listen to the whole episode it’s definitely worth a listen! It’s episode #126.
Saying a prayer now.
❤️ peace of Jesus fall on you and may He fill you with love for your spouse to get through this hard time.
Praying
My recent darkest time has been the last 4 months. No one warned me that weaning my baby would cause a hormonal imbalance that could send me into a tailspin. Panic/anxiety attacks, hot flashes, insomnia, jumbled thoughts, brain fog, sudden crying fits, spotty vision, dizziness and migraines. I was absolutely terrified. I had no idea what was happening. The only person I could rely on was Jesus. One night during a horrible panic attack in the middle of the night, Jesus came to me and explained to me what was happening. He also assured me I was entering the worst of it but would be better by spring time. It’s been a rough 4 months, but I know I’ve never been alone. God has his arms wrapped around us. We are his and he will see us through all of our darkest days.
This message hit home. My husband left me 6 weeks ago….he is very cold and can’t decide if he wants to stay married or not. He’s dealing with so much guilt and hurt and there seems to be no end in sight. It hurts me that he’s hurting. It hurts me that we are walking through this terrible valley and season in our lives and doing it separate. I don’t know what God has in store but I know He is here. Im thankful that I can rest in knowing that God is with me through all of this. Some days are better than others but I’m just taking it all one day at a time. I’m so thankful for this devotion on Job and that it came at just the right time.
Praying you and your husband’s hearts and you redemption in your marriage. Colossians 3:12-14 has been a comfort and guidance to me in my own season of hurt desperation for hope. Verse 14 says, “And above all these, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” This study of Job is reminding me of the importance of choosing to put on love, it’s an action. Also, a comforting thought to me from this study has been the idea that when suffering comes, and it will, that God is not doing it TO me…He’s doing it FOR me.
I just have to keep putting on love and stepping out after Him every single day. ❤️
I think the thing that I forget the most is “seasonality”. Life is a journey with seasons and it won’t always be hard and won’t always be easy. It’s such a simple thing and yet I forget it over and over. Within the bad season I need to remember my God is with me in both seasons and I need to draw closer to Him instead of zoning out like I normally do.
Praying!!
So wonderful to think of God as an omnipotent , omnipresent and omniscient being. I’m in a valley I’ve been in for the better part of two years, and we are praying fervently for a miracle. In the midst of it, today my cat came down with something in his eye, and he is so pitiful. I started thinking about God. I see my cat who is dependent on me to help him feel better. Trusting that I am working to help him feel better. He doesn’t doubt me because He knows I will take care of him. It’s the same for us and God, but we are too human and oftentimes question His faithfulness when times get tough. Jesus, thank you for teaching me lessons in my daily life.
Something I heard as a teen that continues to resonate today … “Never doubt in the darkness what you believed in the light”. Oh, but it’s so easy for my “faith” to waver when the way is dark. But that’s when I must cling to the hope that Christ offers. Hope – a confident expectation. Not Hope – a wishful feeling. “Why are you cast down O my soul? Hope thou in God … for I will yet praise Him!”
LOVE this quote!!
Recently my 15 month old was admitted the hospital. Sitting there waiting for the results was almost unbearable. I took that time to thank God for everything about my daughter. This really just calmed my spirit, I was able to have joy instead of fear. I can resonate with the statement gratitude trumps grumpiness, it is so very true !
Love, love, love this one today!
It’s been a harder few days for me due to anxiety and ptsd. However, I am grateful to keep soaking in Jesus.
Praying for healing and restoration.
I am drained. But I will not give up on my God. Like Job, he asked God why? I ask God why or when can this be over. But I will not give up on my God who sees me. I know he has not forgotten me. Dear Lord I need your strength. Please ease my mind. Lord I know I can do this. You promised it to me. I need you now.
Praying that you will feel God’s presence over your current situation and will give your the strength to endure and have victory over this situation. ❤️
! ❤️
I agree with you, Churchmouse. It is best to be honest with ourselves and our emotions. Nonetheless, rein these emotions in and try to always have gratitude for all we are experiencing – God is at work!
Today’s devotion caused me to think of this song by Tenth Avenue North- I Have This Hope
As I walk this great unknown
Questions come and questions go
Was there purpose for the pain?
Did I cry these tears in vain?
I don’t want to live in fear
I want to trust that You are near
Trust Your grace can be seen
In both triumph and tragedy
I have this hope
In the depth of my soul
In the flood or the fire
You’re with me and You won’t let go
But sometimes my faith feels thin
Like the night will never end
Will You catch every tear
Or will You just leave me here?
But I have this hope
In the depth of my soul
In the flood or the fire
You’re with me and You won’t let go
Yes, I have this hope
In the depth of my soul
In the flood or the fire
You’re with me and You won’t let go
So, whatever happens I will not be afraid
Cause You are closer than this breath that I take
You calm the storm when I hear You call my name
I still believe that one day I’ll see Your face
I have this hope
In the depth of my soul
In the flood or the fire
You’re with me
I have this hope
In the depth of my soul
In the flood or the fire
You’re with me and You won’t let go
In the flood or the fire
You’re with me and You won’t let go
In the flood or the fire
You’re with me and You won’t let go
Great comparison! I love this song!
Thank you for this song!
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Love this!
This teaching really hit home for me… I’m in the middle of a sleepless night as we speak, a very deep valley. I really need some prayers right now for my marriage, things have gotten really tough between us. Thank you sisters in advance, and thank you SRT team for this series.
Praying for you today! I listened to a podcast yesterday that may be an encouragement for you. ❤️ It was Annie F Downs podcast “That Sounds Fun,” and she’s talking with Lysa TerKeurst.
Praying for you!
Praying!
Praying for your marriage and that God makes the changes necessary ❤️
Praying
Praying now! ♥️
Praying….
Angie – beautiful!
Gratitude trumps grumpiness is a statement that should be hanging on our walls :)
Yes!
Gratitude trumps grumpiness. Yes!
❤️
Lord, Your love, care, and goodness have been mine.
You have been and remain the Rock I can depend on.
Strength in this battle, armor on, sword lifted, my Hope.
Your love spreads wider than the ocean and higher than the heavens.
Your goodness a covering not earned, given- tucked gently-tight.
Your hand upon me to help, heal, guide, sometimes to discipline, always for what is best.
My sin forgiven, I am redeemed.
Strong, All-powerful, Faithful, True, Reliable, God – You are
Ground ashes of my brokenness You gather in Your right hand
Pouring from the bottle of my tears, with the kiss-of-your-breath You reform me
to be more like You
You waste nothing, every particle held and renewed.
I am Yours and,
You. Are. Mine.
What joy fills my soul.
Sometimes I just need me a bit of a pity party. When difficulties arise, I give myself ten minutes to wallow in the unfairness, to protest like a two year old and have an ugly cry. It’s quite cathartic. Then I take a deep breath and open my Bible to read the truth about my situation. I have such a narrow subjective view – the Bible gives me the broader perspective I can’t see at first. While gratitude certainly trumps grumpiness, you gotta let the grumpiness have its say and then rein it in. Too often I see hurting folks put on a happy face for the sake of their ‘testimony’ when inside they’re far from happy. Can we just give ourselves permission to be honest and expressive for at least a little while? Can we sit with our sisters and listen, without judgement, to their pain and confusion? Might we just sit quietly and pray for them? Trust that God is sitting right there too.
I know you wrote this 10 months ago, or so it says, but your words gave me strength this morming. I am not in a s
Yes, yes!
Yes!
Yes!
❤️
Thank you Churchmouse your transparency.
Grumpy transparency trumps keeping up a false “I’m okay”
I like what she wrote above. “Gratitude trumps grumpiness every time.” That isn’t always easy, but it’s true. My sixteen year old was feeling very sad. I definitely understand that bc we can all get like that. I told her something I heard. Try to think of a couple of things you are grateful for and reflect on those things. Sometimes that can turn your whole perspective around. I was looking up scriptures that deal with mental torment bc I know that I have thought patterns that need changed. I wanted to use God’s Word as my weapon. There were quite a few. Here is one I just read: “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.”
Isaiah 50:7 NIV
https://www.bible.com/111/isa.50.7.niv
I liked this one, because it made me think of being determined and ready for battle. I think I’ve read a scripture that Jesus set His face like a flint to go and finish the work of our salvation. ( I may be misquoting.) I know my battle isn’t anything like His, but I’m want to have His thoughts and not the tormenting thoughts. I appreciate prayers for healing. I know His Word says that He didn’t give us the spirit of fear, but of love, peace, and a sound mind. I need to stand on that. I know His Word is true and our weapon. But we must use it.
Gratitude trumps grumpiness. This is a mantra worth repeating daily right before giving thanks for all my blessings. To keep negative vibes at bay, I will seek to be grateful for my life, the good and the bad. Because I have been granted life over death on this earth.
So well said. ❤️
AMEN!!❤️❤️