Hope in the Midst of Hopelessness

Job’s life is hopeless. He has lost all his possessions. His open sores are both physically painful and socially isolating. His friends are not helpful. All he has to hold on to is his belief in God and in himself and even that is being undermined.

So it’s not surprising that he longs for the release of death. And yet we begin to see a glimmer of hope that God does care for him - hope that is not yet a certainty.

Previously, in his physical and material contentment, he had no reason to ask questions. He knew God was his creator and provider. He was healthy and wealthy. He accepted the common understanding that justice meant God punished the sinner and rewarded the righteous. That was sufficient. Now, however, that definition of justice doesn’t work because he knows he has not sinned against God. His heart is pure and his integrity intact. And yet he suffers. Nothing makes sense anymore. He’s confused, and time is running out. He’s convinced he’s soon to die.

Out of confusion and pain come important questions. And questions are a sign of hope - hope that there are answers and hope that God cares enough to answer.

• Who are you, God?
• Who are we that you give us so much attention?
• Why do you care about us?
• How do I make sense out of my life?

Great questions to ask at any time in our lives. Unfortunately, like Job, we too often wait until we’re in a crisis of confusion.

Amazingly, God is not offended by our emotionally charged questions but rather invites them because, in fact, it’s those very questions that will draw us into a closer relationship with God, which is what we were created for.

Respond in Prayer

God of all wisdom and patience, thank you for creating me and inviting me into an ever-deepening relationship with you. Thank you that because of Jesus, my hope that you care has been fulfilled, transformed from hope to certainty. I can know. I do know. Amen.

Lynn Smith