Day Seven – Chapter 7

“Is not man forced to labor on earth, and are not his days like the days of a hired man” (7:1)?

“Remember that my life is but breath; my eye will not again see good” (7:7).

In the previous chapter Job reveals his frustration over the lack of help he is receiving from his ‘friends.’ Now in this chapter we see his frustration bubble up to the point where he has become despondent and begins to speak as if the entirety of his life is futile. We should not think too harshly of Job because he is merely expressing his humanity. No matter how committed we are in our walk with the Lord there are always going to be some things that do more than test our faith; they have the potential of leading us to a place of despondency. Such a place is not all that uncommon for the average person, but when you are known for your faith, your righteousness and your avoidance of evil, as Job was, people do not tend to expect it of you or appreciate in you.

Leaders are people too. They are prone to the same feelings and emotions as the next person. When they experience trial and tribulation, though they know people are watching them, they tend to bottle up their feelings trying to demonstrate what they teach and set a good example. But sometimes their emotions are not easily contained. No one can really blame Lot for his feelings coming through. It is probably safe to suggest that most would have said the same, similar or even worse had they experienced what he had. His fortune is gone, his children are gone, and his wife has lost all respect for him. On top of that his body is covered with sores that hurt, itch, are oozing and he cannot get any sleep.

It is not a betrayal of one’s faith to own the fact that they are hurting, frustrated, or even angry. There are many things in life that provoke strong emotional responses. It is not reasonable to pretend immunity to the various pains that come with life and living. On the other hand it is unreasonable to behave as if we don’t hurt. When we own our hurt we position ourselves to receive ministry. No one expects us to be Job. No one expects us to be superman. On the same token, no expects us to labor in self-pity. Without being a crybaby looking for pity, own your hurt and your pain, but then take that same hurt and pain to the Lord.

Dear gracious heavenly Father, I know that You are always close at hand. I feel Your presence about me most of the time, but there are those times when I feel as though I have no hope or help. I don’t want to feel this despondency but the pain is often times more than I can bear and the emotions come tumbling out. Help me today to trust You more and bring my cares and concerns to You. Remind me again that You care for me every day and enable me to bring my emotions, my cares and concerns to You, knowing that You care for me. Amen.