A Month in Job

Daily Gratitude Year 7 - Day 76: Today, I am grateful for a month in Job. 

Yes, Job!  Not the book of the Bible most people read for pleasure. It is a weighty and hard read, but it is full of wisdom. I am humbled by Job's life and legacy. 

I cannot fathom the pain of losing all ten of my children and their families at once. Surely, it was a gripping grief beyond agony. Then, his body was covered in sores and the pain was overwhelming. He could not even find solace with his wife. It says that she "found his breath repulsive". I imagine, she too, was buried in the deep sorrow of their losses. With his sores, he probably did stink. 

We know Job wondered, prayed and begged God to help him understand. God was silent, until much later in the story. In retrospect, God was silent for a reason. If only his friends had been silent, too. Their "helpful" words were not helpful. 

Job truly was righteous and diligent in following the commands of God. In the beginning, he was blessed beyond measure. Then... came his season of suffering that was not sent by God, but God allowed it. Job's suffering was long... most of the 42 chapters of the book. In the end, God brought a healing and a restoration to his life. He was granted a long life and 10 more children who would bless him with grandchildren. 

As a parent... and as one who has walked with those who have lost children... I am confident that Job never saw his last ten children as replacements for those who died. It doesn't work like that. The heart that is broken by the loss of a child is fractured in a way that only God can heal. The scars don't go away, but that is a part of God's perfect design. They scars make the heart more beautiful. Empathy grows in the fertile soil of broken hearts. 

We grieve big when we love big. Most would tell you they wouldn't trade the tears, if they had to give up the sweet memories, too. 

Job experienced the sovereign part of God's character; he knew his goodness, too. What feels like punishment is not always correction or justice. Sometimes, it is more. 

"He makes these things happen either to punish people or to show his unfailing love." -Job 37:13 (NLT)

In the moments when hope seems lost, He is there. His unfailing love comes to us and He is with us. He is clothed in majesty and pours light into our darkness. 


Out of the north comes golden splendor; God is clothed with awesome majesty.The Almighty—we cannot find him; he is great in power; justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate. Therefore men fear him; he does not regard any who are wise in their own conceit.” -Job:37:22-24 (ESV)

We could search the heavens and see his wonders, but not find him. He doesn't hide, but we have to invite him. He comes when we call. Silence does not mean he is absent. He reveals things in His time. His ways are higher than ours. He doesn't appreciate people who are full of their own wisdom. He wants us to tune into him and recharge through Him. 

Today, I am grateful for a month in Job.