[:en]SCRIPTURE: JOB 3
“Why did I not perish at birth and die as I came from the womb?” (Job 3:11)
“Why were there knees to receive me and breasts that I might be nursed?”
(Job 3:12)
“Why was I not hidden in the ground like a stillborn child, like an infant who never saw the light of day?” (Job 3:16)
“Why is light given to those in misery and life to the bitter of soul, to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasures” (Job 3:20-21)
“Why is life given to a man whose ways is hidden, whom God has hedged in?” (Job 3:23)
“What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. I have no peace, no quietness. I have no rest, but only turmoil” (Job 3:25-26)
JOB SPEAKS (vs. 1-26)
Job spoke with these wishes:
- That his day of birth perish (v. 3)
- That day turns to darkness without God’s care and with no light shine upon it (v. 4)
- That darkness and deep shadow cover the day with a cloud without light (v. 5)
- That day does not exist among the days or the months of the year (v. 6)
- That night be barren and without joy (v. 7)
- That day be cursed (v. 8)
- Morning stars become dark and without day light nor rays of dawn (v. 9)
- I will be lying down in peace and asleep and at rest if I am not born (v. 13)
APPLICATION:
We may also encounter trials of life which we do not understand. And we may as well wish we are dead. This is not surprising as Moses had asked God to take his life because of the persistent rebellion of Israelites (Num. 11:10-15). Elijah prayed to die when Jezebel wanted to pursue him (1 Kings 19:4). Paul also wanted to depart and be with Christ which is better (Phil. 21:23). Jonah also wanted to die (Jonah 4:3). In the midst of suffering let us remember that God is in control. Everything that happens to us has God’s plan and purposes. All we do is to trust in God and believe in His sovereign power to strengthen us and make as grow spiritually.
[:]