Daily reading assignment: Job 17-20
As a reminder to the readers of www.HeartofaShepherd.com; the daily devotionals posted on this site are written by Pastor Travis D. Smith and follow a chronological plan for reading through the Bible in one year. 
Sometimes the reading assignments can become heavy and repetitive…as with our study of the Book of Job. I encourage you to be patient and persevere in this discipline knowing every word in the original transcripts were God-breathed… “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21).
We continue our study of the Book of Job with the man responding to his friends’ suggestions that he has suffered sorrow and loss because of some sin he has yet to face and confess. In chapter 16, Job began to reprove his accusers and plea for mercy and compassion. We will notice in chapter 17 that his focus turns from his accusers to God.
Believing he could not continue to bear the sorrows and losses he has suffered, Job felt the end of his own life was at hand (Job 17:1); the betrayal of friends (17:5) and the stress of loss and disappointments had all but consumed him (17:7).
The young, strong, and untried are often self-deceived by a certain invincibility. In contrast, the old, weak and feeble wrestle with the peril of self-absorption, anxiety and despondency. Wrestling with the latter, Job cried to the LORD, “Mine eye also is dim [dark; weak; faint] by reason of sorrow [grief; anger], and all my members [strength] are as a shadow [deep darkness; i.e. shadow of death]” (Job 17:7).
Nowhere is there a hint that Job was considering suicide; however, he was so overwhelmed with sorrows it seemed death might bring a welcome relief (Job 17:11). After hearing Job’s pitiful plea for mercy, one would think a friend would have compassion and encourage him; however, that was not the case. The whole of Job 18 records Bildad’s words of reproof, insisting Job’s troubles are evidence of God’s judgment on the man’s wickedness.
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!”
Do you remember that foolish childhood retort to the taunts of a bully? Alas, sticks and stones leave scars that will heal and bones that will mend; however, the cutting words of a friend pierce the heart with sorrows that follow some to their graves.
The cruel judgments and piercing accusations of Job’s friends have left him wounded and despairing of life (19:1-4). While he is a victim of unfounded criticisms and unmerciful condemnations; Job has nevertheless fallen victim to an ill-advised practice of some who have been wounded…keeping tally of the wrong’s others have inflicted on him.
Job rightfully asks, “How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words?” (Job 19:2); however, his observation, “These ten times have ye reproached me” (Job 19:3) suggests his focus was on his accusers and not the LORD.
Job 19:5-20 paints a pitiful portrait of Job wallowing in the mire of his sorrows and deprivations. He is trapped with no means of escape (19:6). Encircled by “friends” who judge and condemn him; Job cries for help (19:8-20), but finds no justice (19:7).
Loneliness and hopelessness have become Job’s companions (19:13-19). Disappointments and despair have overwhelmed him.
Herein we see a danger…the temptation to nurse our wounds, lament our losses, and retreat into our misery. It is here we take a page from Job’s life and listen as his heart and thoughts turn to the LORD:
“For I know [with certainty and confidence] that my Redeemer [i.e. Kinsman Redeemer; Avenger] liveth, and that he shall stand [abide; endure] at the latter day upon the earth” (Job 19:25).
In the midst of sorrows, Job’s thoughts turn to the LORD and his hope is renewed. He expresses confidence his “Redeemer” will deliver his soul from trouble in the same way a “kinsman redeemer” would purchase a loved one out of a debtor’s sentence.
In his distress, Job is forced to answer the judgments of “friends” who, like Zophar’s statements in Job 20, imply his sorrows and losses must be attributable to some wickedness he has not confessed to God (Job 20:4-29).
Some reading today’s devotional might be struggling with anxiety, fear and loss. While your trials might pale in comparison to Job’s, nevertheless, your pain, sorrow, and disappointments are real. You might fear one more disappointment…one more crisis…one more trial…one more attack on your character…and you will be broken.
Might I suggest that broken…broken in will and broken in spirit may be where God wants you! Broken; at the “end of your rope,” but wholly dependent on Him.
The prophet Isaiah exhorted God’s people: “Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength” (Isaiah 26:4).
Struggling with fear and anxiety? I encourage you to confess, give them to the Lord, and trust Him!
Copyright 2020 – Travis D. Smith
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