Job 3

“Why is light given to him who is in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, who long for death, but it does not come, and search for it more than hidden treasures; who rejoice exceedingly, and are glad when they can find the grave? Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden, and whom God has hedged in? For my sighing comes before I eat, and my groanings pour out like water. For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me. I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, for trouble comes.” Job 3:20-26 (NKJV)

Have you ever wished you were never born? Have you ever cried out that the Lord would take you out of this world, that there is no reason to be alive, and that light and air are even wasted on you? That is a miserable way to feel, but you are alone. I have felt that way. Job felt that way. God knew you would feel that way, and He has written this account to help give insight into the redemptive “why” regarding the suffering of the righteous. Consider Paul’s words.

“For if we live, we live in relation to the Lord; and if we die, we die in relation to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord – indeed, it was for this very reason that Messiah died and came back to life, so that He might be Lord of both the living and the dead.” Romans 14:8-9 (CJB)

The reason we exist (in this world and the next) is to glorify the Lord. Our culture has somehow convinced many of us that God exists to serve mankind. This mindset has even taken root in the Church-at-large. That is exactly the opposite of the truth. Even Heaven is not the “eternal recess” many believe it will be. We belong to the Lord, and our lives (even in eternity) are to be lived unto Him for His purposes, chosen by His great wisdom. It is our obligation to trust that even if our circumstances do not resemble blessing, He is ultimately working all things together for good. (Romans 8:28) Again, consider the words of Paul, no stranger to suffering for following the Lord.

“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually resulted in the advance of the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is in the cause of Christ. Most of the brothers in the Lord have gained confidence from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the message fearlessly.” Philippians 1:12-14 (HCSB)

“My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all boldness, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For me, living is Christ and dying is gain. Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. I am pressured by both. I have the desire to depart and be with Christ—which is far better— but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you.” Philippians 1:20-2 (HCSB)

Paul could be encouraged because he knew what Job didn’t: the end of Job’s suffering! We see the end of Paul’s and, perhaps, most importantly, the eternal end of Jesus’.