September 2017

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Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.
Psalm 143: 8


Friends

The book of Job is one of my favorites for its poetic form and abundance of beautifully rendered images, but it's a painful book to read, too. I mean, Job lost everything in one fell swoop, including all of his children, a parent's worst nightmare. I can't begin to imagine the depth of his grief. Another difficult thing to read, is the way Job's "friends" responded to his multiple tragedies.

They blamed Job. For everything. Can you relate? Sadly, most of us have experienced this to a greater or lesser degree at some point in our lives. Sadder still, most of us have probably been guilty of discouraging someone with blame and faulty reasoning at some point in our lives.

Eliphaz's faulty reasoning was that bad things only happen to bad people, so Job must be bad and thus at fault for all his own troubles. Zophar continued that theme, giving example after example of the bad things that had befallen evil people. Then Bildad the Shuhite chimed in with this "uplifting" theology that in comparison to God, "people are maggots; we mortals are mere worms" (Job 25:6). Um, wow. While there's truth to be found in that comparison--we aren't God and never will be--those aren't really the words of comfort and encouragement someone who has just lost everything needs to hear.

And whether Job tried to explain or remained silent in the face of these accusations, the three continued to accuse him.

But if it were me, I would encourage you. I would try to take away your grief. Instead, I suffer if I defend myself, and I suffer no less if I refuse to speak (Job 16:5-6).

These three "friends" continued to harangue Job with accusations and suggestions that his troubles were all a result of his own hidden sins against God and the poor. Their unkind words served to increase Job's suffering, making him feel even more alone and bereft.

How long will you crush me with your words? You have already insulted me ten times. You should be ashamed of treating me so badly. Even if I have sinned, that is my concern, not yours. You think you're better than I am, using my humiliations as evidence of my sin (Job 19: 1 - 5).

As the old saying goes, "With friends like that, who needs enemies?"

But, something good did come out of it all. Something wonderful, actually. Job's feelings of abandonment, betrayal, and crushing loneliness compelled him to seek God.

My friends scorn me, but I pour out my tears to God. I need someone to mediate between God and me as a person mediates between friends. For soon I must go down that road from I will never return. My spirit is crushed, and my life is nearly snuffed out (Job 16:21 - 17: 1).

As a result of his trials, Job's faith in God was strengthened. As a result of having friends who turned on him, Job learned to trust the Friend who would never turn on him.

But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought! (Job 19: 25 - 27).

Did Job's suffering end the moment he sought comfort from God? No. But Job began to see the Romans 8:28 of it all. God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Did Job have more to learn? Oh, yes! His conversation with God, recorded in the last few chapters of the book, are awe inspiring.

Here's my takeaway from these early chapters: Our troubles and disappointments in this life can have positive meaning and purpose if they cause us to seek God. We can't choose our circumstances, but we can choose our response; likewise, we can't control what people think of us or say to us, but we can control what we think of others and say to them. There's a proverb that reads, The tongue can bring death or life. The choice is ours.       

Daye Phillippo

September 2017