Alva Review-Courier -

The oldest book of the Bible addresses the singular aspect that all humanity faces, that of suffering. The ancient poem of Job addresses human suffering on a level that few would ever experience.

The Book of Job opens with, “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil” (Job 1:1). We are introduced to a man who loved God and lived his faith out in his daily life. Job had a beautiful family, successful in life, health, but that would change suddenly. By the time we arrive at chapter three, Job has lost all of his children, wealth, health, and from there curses the day he was born. For the rest of the book, we see the anguish of Job, anguish that all of us have experience in one degree or another.

As the chapters flew through this book, Job makes some statements of truth that become helpful for us going through the difficulties of life. Job’s greatest proclamation is found in Job 19. He starts by describing the anguish he has experienced. It is graphic and hard to read, but in vs. 23, Job declares his hope in God. It is this confidence that carried him through the valleys of his pain.

Job declared his hope of God’s remembrance. Verses 23 and 24 read, “Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!” When we go through suffering, we often develop feelings of isolation and loneliness. As we go further into loneliness, we even begin to think that God has abandoned or forgotten us. Little did Job understand that God had not forgotten him, and his story is still preserved for us today. God never forgets His children. He is fully aware of all that you face today.

Job declared his hope of God’s Victory. Verse 25 reads, “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth ….” Job looked beyond his misery and understood that he had a Savior who was alive and victorious. He looked ahead toward an empty grave. Today we look backward at that same empty tomb. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the centerpiece of all hope! He defeated death and offers eternal life. Victory over the final enemy!

Job declared his hope of Eternity. Verses 26 and 27 read, “... And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.” Job understood that his life would come to an end, and he looked toward Eternity with God with a resurrected body. No more pain, no more sickness, no more sorrow. The hope of heaven is powerful for those whose life is consumed with anguish.

The book of Job never provides the answers to why people suffer. It concludes with the declaration of a caring God who is in complete control. Job settled on those words. Job would see God restore much of what he lost. Job's unshakable confidence in God carried him through his dark valley.

Are you there today? There is so much suffering in this world of ours. How will you handle it? How will you cope? What is your hope? The God of Job is still here today. He offers peace assurance that we all need. Come to Him today. Invite Him into your life. Problems will not flee away, but you will never be alone through them! “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).