The construct of this particular verse presents Job making the statement that even if God brings death to Job, there was an assuredness on the part of Job that when his ways were tried, they would be found true and righteous. In this introductory portion of the book of Job, we find Job at least noting a very important truth, namely that even though death may come to him despite his pleading to God or relief, Job would still place his full faith and trust in God’s plans for him. All Job knew was that God had something in mind and he wanted to know what it was and why he deserved all of this agony. Now mind you Job still had no clue as to why all these horrible things had transpired and he certainly did not have a developed theodicy as to why evil was happening to him. Instead of continuing to discuss his plight with them, Job took his case to God, recognizing that whatever had transpired was in the hands of almighty God. Job had just endured some “advice” from his friends Bildad and Zophar. Let’s just say times were a bit rough for Job at this point in his life. The background of this statement by Job comes after Job has had everything taken away from him while at the same time being stricken with massive boils all over his body. It is that element which I will focus on in this post, specifically the need to praise God and to trust Him regardless of what is transpiring in our lives at the moment, whether that be comfort or sickness. What perhaps bothers me is the overemphasis on the idea that our love for God is rooted in Him blessing us in this life.
Now mind you I have nothing wrong with rejoicing with those whom God has blessed or with those who have suffered but have now found relief from the trials of life, at least for a moment. Smiley himself, Joel Osteen, pontificating on how everyday is a Friday. As I contemplated the message behind this verse, it became readily apparent that much of what I read in books or the blogosphere these days concerns matters of God lifting someone up out of the muck and the mire, someone finding a job after being unemployed for months, or if we go to the self-help section of the local Christian bookstore, we might find Mr.
While driving to work a few weeks ago, this passage in Job came to mind as I was pondering things I have read, a habit I have found myself getting into on the way to work since there really is nothing worth listening to on the morning airwaves these days. “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him”.
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