Verses 1-19
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Here Job's trouble is that if God so carefully created and preserved him (verses 11-12), why would He then so ruthlessly destroy him? Also, why would God search out and find reasons to punish him for sin after he lived an upright life so faithfully? Was living righteously even worth it (verse 15)? Why did his obedience bring such hardship? These troublesome thoughts caused Job to regret his existence, and he questioned why he was even born.
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This tells us that in times when we suffer, while we are doing good, our faith is being tested. In this suffering, we can more clearly see whether we are living righteously for God, or merely for ourselves. How so? If obedience is only worth it when it brings a beneficial reward, aren't we being obedient for selfish reasons? Sometimes, greater obedience brings greater suffering, like it did for Job. Is it still worth it to obey God? It is; but we must be resolute.
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If, when you suffer, you feel like your faith has lost its purpose, you're missing the point. Obeying God isn't about you; it's about God. What God does in your life, whether comfortable or uncomfortable, matters for His plan, His glory, and your growth in Him. And that's why true obedience is learned through suffering (Hebrews 5:8). Will you live for the glory of God even when it hurts? Don't think that following God is about a more comfortable life for yourself.
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Verse 16. Job felt that he was prey to God. But notice where he says, “You show yourself awesome against me.”
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God is always showing His power, and His power can be shown in how it works for or against certain beings.
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While you are experiencing great loss, if anything, let it humble you. Let it remind you of God's power. He can give and take away; He can exalt and He can put down (Psalm 75:7). So, even when it seems that life is against you, know that God has a purpose for it.
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Verses 20-22
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Job feels oppressed by God, and so he feels that he would only be comforted if God would actually “leave him alone” (verse 20).
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When we suffer greatly, the thought of God leaving us alone can feel more comforting than the thought of God being closer to us. How so?
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Sometimes we'll feel that life would be simpler if we didn't have to be concerned about following the Word. In a sense, ignorance was bliss! Be careful with these thoughts.
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Don't envy a life without God. Yes, as believers, we do have to concern ourselves with knowing and obeying the Word; and yes, in times of suffering that can feel heavy. Just remember that the suffering of death and eternal condemnation is far greater than the suffering of hardships that come along with following Christ. So don't linger in thoughts that say you wish God would “leave you alone”. You do not want to be without God! If you were without God in the world, you would have no hope (Ephesians 2:12).
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