Job speaks at length about his past, his early days and the success and position he once had before his misfortunes. It was difficult for him to be reduced by calamity and old age. He knew he did not deserve the sufferings he was experiencing although looked down upon by the people who once respected him. We empathize as we hear his lament.

Paul also knew the ups and downs of life’s roller coaster. The key to him was to learn contentment in God, whether abased or abounding. His spiritual life of prayer and ministry provided the only real and lasting satisfaction this life could offer.

We are wise to take note.

PRAYER: Lord, You teach us that our lives do not consist of the things we own or the carnal successes we accumulate. We are dead to these things and our lives are hid with Christ in God.

READ: Job 25-30

Through reading Job’s discourses we understand that God is fully aware of the details of every man’s life. His eye beholds our every deed. Nothing is hidden from Him.

A righteous man understands this and wisely keeps his deeds and thoughts under control.

David said, “Thou desirest truth in the inward parts.” [Ps. 51:6a]

When we live our lives as an open book before the Lord, we quickly realize that we are desperate for a Savior for our sin and His Holy Spirit to continually lead us in paths of righteousness. This is walking in the light.

PRAYER: Lord, take our lives and use them for Your good. We desire Your leading and grace for every waking moment. 

READ: Job 22-24

It is said that Job is the oldest book in the Bible. Yet, he prophesies about God’s plan of redemption by stating, “I know that my Redeemer lives.”

Redemption can only occur when something of greater value is exchanged for the desired object. God desired to free us from our sin, so He gave His sinless Son to redeem us from the fate of that sin … death.

Death does not frighten the believer. We know that our Redeemer lives, and that “In (our) flesh, (we) will see God.”

PRAYER: Lord, You have removed the sting of death. Your great love for us, as proved through Job’s words, give us hope for our futures.

READ: Job 18-21

Job called his critics “mockers.” He states that if he was in their shoes, he would comfort rather than accuse.

He mistakenly blames God for the calamity that has befallen him. Remember, God did not send the trouble, but He allowed it.

James tells us that God doesn’t tempt anyone. We can’t necessarily blame God for the troubles we go through, but we can certainly take an honorable approach when we see someone else going through suffering. We can show Christ’s love and understanding.

He suffered and was tempted at every point and extends His empathy to us. His accusers crucified and murdered Him.

PRAYER: Lord, strengthen me to respond to my critics like Christ did. He forgave. He understood.

READ: Job 15-17

Yet will I praise Him.

This is one of the spiritual chestnuts we glean from Job’s writings.

This expression can only come from one who has formed an accurate opinion of God’s merciful nature and His unsearchable greatness. Job realized the ultimate intention of God’s dealings and found a security in this knowledge.

“Mercy triumphs over judgement.” [James 2:13b]

PRAYER: Lord, into Your hands do we commit our spirits and our lives. All Your dealings are intended for our good. We trust Your merciful nature.

READ: Job 11-14

Upon reading Job, we revel at the volume of profound insight he issues. No doubt, the degree of suffering excavated the crater of understanding into which was poured wisdom not accrued by any other method. He was even entrusted with a prophetic yearning for Christ Who would “Mediate between us … bring us together … remove God’s rod from me.” [Job 9:33]

Suffering allowed by God brings a hidden blessing not obtained any other way.

“In the world you shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer – I have overcome the world.” [Jn. 16:33]

PRAYER: Lord, in our seasons of distress, pour out the spiritual revelation and insight necessary to cope and overcome. You always lead us into triumph.

READ: Job 5-10

For seven days, Job’s friends said not a word because of the depth of suffering he had experienced. What can you say that is effective to one suffering so bitterly?

There are times when your presence and you support are needed above the manufacturing of empty words.

Silence can be golden.

PRAYER: Lord, give us wisdom in those times when others are suffering. Use us to be of true comfort.

READ: Job 1-4

Haman, an enemy of the Jews, had devised a plot to exterminate them. He had even built a tall pole to impale Mordecai. In the story of Esther, we see that he himself was impaled upon his is pole. His plot backfired.

Vengence belongs to God. Our attempts will backfire and bring suffering upon us.

PRAYER: Lord, You know all things. We trust our well being to You alone.

READ: Esther 6-10

This is a line from Esther’s story pointing to the concept that her main role in life was to intercede for the Jewish people when they were about to be annihilated through Haman’s deceptive ploy. Her courage and commitment to the task are commendable.

I remember asking God to have raised up a more faithful witness than me when I botched an opportunity to share the Gospel with a superior. Tragically, he passed from a heart attack about a week after I met with him. I had been prompted by the Holy Spirit to witness to him, but was disobedient.

Yes, we fail the Lord. He mercifully gives us more chances.

Advice: when you sense His promptings in these moments, ask for grace and courage to be obedient. Live with no regrets.

PRAYER: Lord, we want to be faithful to You in those moments You give us opportunity to be a voice or witness for You. You have always been faithful to us.

READ: Esther 2-5

Nehemiah was incensed when he returned to Jerusalem to find the Jews living with flagrant violations of the Law of Moses. Realizing that their disobedience would prevent God’s blessings, he zealously enacted a cleanse of the temple and clamp-down on heathen practices.

Without becoming self-righteously legalistic, we are wise to guard against the wholesale adoption of carnal trends that cut against the grain of Biblical living and Christian faith-oriented standards of conduct.

“Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.” [Pr. 4:23]

PRAYER: Lord, Your ways bring life, health, and blessing to Your people. Stir us to be vigilant to keep Your Commandments.

READ: Neh. 13; Esther 1