Three Takeaways from the Book of Job
And Why I Love This Story
If you’re anything like me, the story of Job has always been heartbreaking. It’s one of those stories I prefer to avoid because I struggle to understand why God would punish such a good and faithful servant. It’s hard to wrap your head around, especially if you’ve ever identified with Job. But if we skip this story, we’ll miss out on so many beautiful lessons that can help us out of a dark place. So many people struggle with loss, grief, and depression so even if that’s not you … I’m sure you know someone who does. I hope this helps you to comfort and support them through the heartbreaking realities of this life.
If you’re not familiar, here is a quick recap. This is being condensed and paraphrased, so I want to encourage you to take some time and read the book of Job for yourself. Not only is it deeply poetic and beautiful, but there is so much more to the story that you may find helpful in some way. Maybe God will speak to your heart and show you something from a new perspective.
The Book of Job
“Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” -Job 1:8 NIV
Job was a man of great faith. He honored God in every way, he was righteous and blameless. Satan believed Job was only faithful to the Lord because he was so blessed. So God gave the enemy permission to test his faith. Job lost his livestock, servants, property, his health, his children, and even his respect. Even though he had lost everything, he fell to the ground and worshiped God when he heard the news. Talk about praising God in the storm!
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” -Job 1:21 NIV
Job’s friends came to visit him after hearing about all the evil he was experiencing. Eliphas, Bildad, and Zophar came to comfort Job and mourn with him. They sat with him in silence for seven days and seven nights. After seven days, Job started to express his deep sorrow. He couldn’t understand why God would allow so much pain and suffering when he had done nothing to deserve it. He mourned deeply and cried out for death to give him relief. For the next thirty-four chapters, his friends try to help him, stating that he must have sinned against the Lord, and pleading with him to repent. Job maintained his innocence and became quite frustrated with his friends.
“Doubtless you are the only people who matter, and wisdom will die with you! But I have a mind as well as you; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know all these things?” -Job 12:2-3
“Keep silent and let me speak; then let come to me what may.” -Job 13:13 NIV
The Lord didn’t respond to Job until chapter thirty-eight. To be honest, everything in me wanted God to explain Himself. I wanted to understand why He did this to Job. But that’s not what happens. Instead, for the next four chapters, you read about a mighty God who speaks about His divine creation and asks Job a series of questions.
“Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.” -Job 38:1-3 NIV
“What is the way to the abode of light? And where does darkness reside? Can you take them to their places? Do you know the paths to their dwellings? Surely you know, for you were already born! You have lived so many years!” -Job 38:19-21 NIV
“Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” -Job 42:1-6
“After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. And so Job died, an old man and full of years.” – Job 42:16-17
In the end, the Lord restored Job and blessed him abundantly.
Three Takeaways:
- When someone is suffering or grieving, it’s often better to be present than to offer advice. When Job’s friends came to comfort him, they accused him of wrongdoing and insisted that he should repent. Friends might have the best intentions, but we should seek answers from the Lord and meditate on His word.
- Repent for your sins. When you lie your head down at night, it’s between you and God. The world might have a negative perception of you, but God is all-knowing, and He knows your heart.
- When your faith is being tested, and you feel like the Lord has turned against you, stand firm in your faith! The enemy is working hard to turn you away from the Lord, but if you continue to turn to Jesus, He will restore you, just as He did Job.
Let’s Pray!
Father, help us to have faith like Job. We don’t always understand the reason for our suffering, and we have moments of doubt and frustration. Please give us peace that passes all understanding. Help us to listen when others are suffering and love them the way that You do. Protect us from the attacks of the enemy and give us rest when we cry out to You, Lord. Restore us, Father.
Amen.