Yet trouble came

Job 3:26

I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came.

Job here is grappling with the horrid circumstances that have encompassed his life. He is beset with grievous trials. He has lost all family members that were dear, and those remaining did not encourage his miserable state. He could not truly reconcile his plight. He was a godly man, one that feared God and eschewed evil; and all in one day, he was bereaved of everything. Although he did not sin with his lips, and although he rebuked others who looked at his life and spoke foolishly about God, he still had a mighty struggle within. And the struggle was “why?” Why would this happen to a godly person? Why would I be stripped of everything valuable in one day? Why was I ever born? Why was I ever allowed to see the light? What was I not carried from the womb to the grave? He cursed the day wherein he was born. He thought that it must be a cursed thing, for his life has turned into a great and grievous midnight. There was no light, no joy, no peace. And yet He did not speak against God. This was due to his stalwart character and integrity.

What we see from Job’s life is that trouble comes unexpectedly, causelessly, and indiscriminately. If we learn anything, we may learn that no one has immunity from the sudden onset of loss and sorrow. Job said that he was not in safety. He was always worried about the well-being and possible waywardness of his sons. He offered burnt offerings in their stead! He said that he did not have rest, neither was he quiet. He was not living in boastful, contemptuous pride and arrogance. He was always concerned that something would go wrong. He did not boast of tomorrow. He was not calloused to the possibility of pain. He was not smug toward God. But yet trouble came. That which he feared came upon him. The thing which he was afraid of was what happened to him. Job did not think himself above the troubles of life. And yet, even with a gentle spirit, and with a humble disposition; even with a concerned heart and a care for his own, trouble still came. And it came hard. He did all he could to protect those he loved. But still, and regardless of his efforts and preventions and precautions, trouble still found him.

Now, dear friends, do we not see the importance of our readiness for any trial that may come upon us. It can come upon the very best of the best. Anyone who has lived a few years will notice the indiscriminate nature of trials. The “best” can be consumed in a moment. So what will we do if this happens? How will we deal with it when it comes? We must be people of character. We must be people of strong faith. We must be willing to say that “the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away.” We must be able to say, “blessed be the name of the Lord.” For how else will we emerge on the other side of this heavy cloud of discouragement and doubt? Only with the Lord! The spectral clouds of sorrow may encroach upon us, but perhaps, perhaps! There is still a beam of light that can break through. Perhaps there is still a Sun that can penetrate the darkest cloud and permeate the most shuddered and darkened day. Perhaps there is a faith that can still hold us still and carry us through. Is there not a Hand? Is there not a God who by His wondrous grace can see us through? If Job could experience all these things, and still be called a patient man, then all we need is the God of Job. See James 5:11. The God of Job will provide our strength when unforeseen trials come. No one can predict or prognosticate. There is no seer, no one to prophetically pronounce tomorrow. But the God of tomorrow will be there, and will be our constant strong tower and our permanent refuge.

“Father, we know that only Thou knowest all things. When trials come without warning, help us to find stability and solace in the Lord. If anything is taken away, help us to bless your name. If anything is destroyed, help us to be renewed in you. If we experience the opposition, the hurt, and the discouragement of life, help us to encourage ourselves in you and in your presence. Thank you for Job’s peerless example. Help us to see it reflected in our lives with our little troubles. And whether they are big or small, may we be strengthened in you this day. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.”