Troubling Thoughts of Job

 "Does it seem good to you that you should oppress, that you should despise the work of your hands, and smile on the counsel of the wicked?" Job10:3

When our pastor mentioned this verse recently it struck me that just maybe Job was more aware of what was happening than we might understand. Job felt hurt that God would treat him so badly and afflict him in such a cruel manner. Persistent pain and overwhelming grief and financial pressure one on top of the other. Would you or I be able to bear up under even one of those things? Job tried hard to stay righteous with his mouth. To believe that God is good when He seems to be acting against us is hard.

Job felt that God had forsaken him in the darkest hour of Job's life. Job wondered why God would turn blessing into cursing. And Job questioned God's goodness towards him. Job felt oppressed and Job felt abandoned.

One final thought. Job wondered why God would be happy with the one who devised all of this evil against him. Why would God smile at the plans to hurt him? Why is God pleased while Job is suffering? 

It is easy to bear up under the attacks of our enemies. But it is devastating to suffer at the hand of our Father and our God. The wonder of the whole story of Job is that Job didn't turn away and forsake God.

People have turned away from Christ and the church over smaller issues than I have gone through. I'm still here and I trust that God will act for me right now. Amen!