PREFACE

The Book of Job is an excellent Book to study to get insight, comfort and spiritual strength to get through the rough days on the way to Heaven. Job's experience tells us how bad things can get on the journey. We are living on earth, not in heaven, and earth is a battleground. Job got through the days of suffering and the nights of sorrow - how ? This Book tells us how. We learn from it not only how to understand and help others, but also how to get help from God for ourselves. Perhaps the greatest lessons of the Book are to prove that Christians can have a ' disinterested faith ' ( contrary to Satan's sneer in ch.1:9) and that God's promise will be kept, the promise to keep them enduring to the end ( Heb. 7:25). - Someone prays for us, and His prayer never fails ( John 17:24).

My thanks again to my friend Harry Woods for all the technical aspects of putting this book together.

James Clark. MA MSc MEd MTh.

JULY 1

“ Even when I remember I am afraid “  Job 21:6.

Job is saying, “ I have an internal shuddering and horror when I recall the scenes I have passed through. I am utterly overwhelmed by  the magnitude of my own sufferings, and they are such as should excite pity in your hearts…They who have passed through scenes of peculiar danger or of great mental and bodily suffering, can easily sympathise with Job here. The very recollection will make the flesh tremble.” ( A.Barnes) The difference between the wicked and the godly when they look back at their sufferings is that the latter cleave more to God because of them. They are  profitably reminded of their weakness and lack of wisdom, and also of the folly of trusting in their own strength. We tremble ( with joy also ) when we see how God has powerfully overruled the worst things in our lives and ‘ worked all things together for our good ‘, for our spiritual development after all. The wicked are just glad they escaped the consequences of their sins ( or so they think ), but it was not profitable for their souls in the long run, because they have no faith yet.

Those who suffer from PTSD, perhaps lifelong, know what it is to replay in the mind the horrible things from past experiences ; unwanted memories which we cannot restrain. The Christian, like Job, has these memories, but Job is now beyond such pain in his mind ( and body ) ; there is no pain among the blessed in heaven. Pain for the Christian is earth-bound, as it was for Christ also.

JULY 2

“ Therefore they say to God, Depart from us, for we desire not the knowledge of Thy ways.”   Job 21:14.

These are the secret thoughts of the ungodly, seldom audibly expressed. Despite God’s goodness to them in their life, this is the attitude of the ungodly, those who wish to live without God. Many of them escape suffering in this world, and this proves to them that there is no God or He is a very weak One  ie. They can defy Him with impunity. Many do indeed die peacefully, but it is not peace with God ! How can they be happy when their happiness is based on everything which will be lost at death ? Their wealth has been their best friend, not Christ ; they thought that God would only disturb their ‘ happiness.’ And yet God replaces it, in some, with something better the world and its creatures can give. “ We must pray that God would help us to help others to see their need of God.” ( K.Dell)

The ungodly look for self-sufficiency. “ They have no respect for God and think themselves above Him. But God shall hold them responsible for this attitude.” ( R.Stedman) Their great need is for a personal, saving relationship with God. “ Sin brings separation and enmity,, acquaintance brings reconciliation and peace.” ( J.Smith) cf. Matt.7:23. Psalm 2;12. There are still some who begin but soon give up serving and praying, because they think there is no profit in it ( vs.15) - let us not be among them.

JULY 3

“ Behold, I know your thoughts. “  Job 21:27.

God knows what is in man ( John 2:25) ; He is not optimistic about human nature left to itself, and neither is Job. Job refuted their arguments, but their ingrained prejudice kept them arguing. Their theology had no good effect on their character.Indeed, their bad teaching was dangerous, for themselves and others ( vs.34).Their words were offending God, and not just Job ( ch.42) ; Job had a Witness in heaven. They were not helping him bear his burden but adding to it. “ They were people who couldn’t change their minds and couldn’t change the subject ! “ ( W.Wiersbe) Or, as Samuel Johnson put it, “ That man has only one idea, and it’s wrong.”

The ‘ prosperity theology ‘ of Job’s friends made them abusers. The Bible refutes the idea that ‘ thoughts are not dangerous.’ Sin rises to the surface from the heart, the unseen soul ( James 1;14-16) Their inference that Job must be a great sinner “ is an act of violence against his innocence.” ( D.Clines) Job knew what they were thinking, because he used to think the same way. This is a great advantage to us when speaking with unbelievers ; we have ‘ been there.’ We grew up also with the covenant of works ingrained in our thinking ie. ‘ Do good and be rewarded.’ But the Holy Spirit (alone) can change minds and thoughts, and teach us about another covenant, a covenant of grace ( Psalm.103:10) ; and now ‘ our mediation of Christ shall be sweet,and we shall be glad in the Lord.'  Ps.104:34).

JULY 4

“ What profit should we have if we pray to Him ? "  Job 21:15.

‘ What profit shall we have in worship ? Why should we start attending it, why should we continue in it ? ‘ What is common in these attitudes to worship is the focus on self and not on God. Selfishness still dominates the approach to worship, not whether it is right or not. People still look to the advantage and not to the duty and privilege of worshipping God. He does not have the first place in their lives, as the First Commandment requires, but they look for reasons to attend worship and feel they have to persuade themselves. This shows that it is not natural to worship God and that sin restrains us from doing it ; whether making a beginning or persevering in it. They do not love God for who He is, but self-interest rules ; this sometimes leads also to a minimum/token worship, in order to maintain a public ‘ religious ‘ appearance.

Many ‘ try God ' and turn away from worship, because it did not meet their expectations. But what were their expectations ? Did they come for forgiveness, to know more of Christ, to learn how to become better persons ? Or was it to find some kind of exciting pleasure and entertainment ? ( The world can provide that better than the worldly efforts of worldly churches). God seeks a worship which is in Spirit and in Truth ( John 4:23,24) - both are necessary and both are profitable spiritually. Profit in prayer ? - Our life depends on it !

JULY 5

“ The counsel of the wicked is far from me.”  Job 21:16.

The counsel of the wicked comprise “ the principles upon which they act and by which their life is governed.” ( T.Robinson). Their aim in life is to gain maximum happiness in this world, and not always ethically. For they think that life on earth is all they have ; they either reject or ignore the thought of a life after death ( although they hope for the best, but on what grounds ?). Their morality is subordinate to their selfishness ; they do not emphasise consistent honesty but success. They reject entire dependence on God as a sign of pitiable weakness, and pride themselves on their own efforts to achieve ; how they long for self-sufficiency and independence, but that is not the safe way to live. We were made for God and, as Augustine said, “ Our hearts are restless until we rest in Thee.” But the wicked prefer worldly heroes to the Divine Saviour, “ Not this man but Barabbas ! “

But ‘ their god is not in their hand ‘ ( vs.16) - they cannot control what they depend upon, and whatever it is cannot last, it will not be in their hands for long.They abuse whatever good they receive from God, including revealed Biblical religion. At any moment the circumstances of such people can be reversed by God, gains become losses and joys become griefs - and they do not have God to fall back upon. Their hands are emptied of hope. Yet the Lord is good to all ( Psalms.145:9). However, a sinner is only saved by grace ( Ephes. 2:8), and this is not common to all ( John 6:37,44). Better if the hands are held out to God in prayer, and God delights in empty hands reaching out for His help.

JULY 6

“ How often …and how often...? "  Job 21:17.

Job profoundly disagrees with their view of the wicked’s experience in this world ( 18:5,6), for the wicked do not often suffer a catastrophe in mid-life, as Asaph also noted ( Psalm73). Some say that it is unjust of God to let them live happily without acknowledging Him ( vs.23), as if He were doing nothing ; but justice delayed is not justice denied ! ( vs.26,30)While Job does not disagree that life is unfair, he does not see this as a reason for atheism ; we see so little of God’s complete plan for the world and its inhabitants. Everyone is in His plan somewhere and “ God is not in hurry.” ( W. Wiersbe) Pessimism is often a precursor to despair. David says we are to remind ourselves about God ( Psalm 103:2).

Job’s friends have used their wrong theology to ‘ put God in a box ‘, manageable to their own minds. They are also afraid that Job may be right, that experience does not agree with their views, and they grow more angry. Could they be wrong ? “ A man with a true experience is never at the mercy of a man with an argument.” ( R.Stedman) We are told to ‘ judge nothing before the time ‘ and that ‘ God’s ways are not our ways.’ Job does not give up the doctrine of Divine retribution for sin ( as many do), but does not accept that it is always immediate upon sinning - God can wait. Can you ?

JULY 7

“ Shall any teach God knowledge ? “  Job 21:22.

Job criticises his friends for limiting God’s dealings with hypocrites to the way they agree with, but they do not agree with God in His ways with them ( vs.17-21). Do they wish to give God lessons from their own wisdom ? Should not the One who made the world get the freedom to govern and guide it ? “ It is part of God’s sovereignty and wisdom in ordering the world to make no difference, regarding outward things, between the wicked and the godly, or between one wicked man and another. Both the wicked and the godly can know affliction and prosperity ( Ecclesiastes 9:1,2). “ ( J.Durham) By considering God’s Providence we ought to be taught that outward dispensations are no guide to, or measure of, God’s favour ( as Job’s friends thought).“ There is no more foolish thing than to take upon ourselves to guide God in guiding the world ( Isaiah 45:9. Rom.9:20). When you say that ‘ such a thing is not right,’ you are saying that God is not wise enough and you take it upon yourself to teach Him ! “ ( J.Durham) God ruled the world with infinite wisdom before we came into and shall continue to do so after we leave it. Let us therefore trust in God and do what is right while we are in it. Should all happen according to our mind ? We should know the answer to that question.

JULY 8

“ Can a man be profitable to God ? “  Job 22:2.

“ There is a secret feeling of complaint in many hearts, as if they had been wronged by God and had a right to expect better treatment from Him. But we are actually treated better than we deserve, and any good in man is from God, not from himself.” ( T.Robinson). Man cannot add to or subtract from God’s glory ( Psalm.16:2. Acts 17:25). Eliphaz is right to say that man has nothing to gain from man’s righteousness and nothing to lose by man’s sin. He wrongly thinks that Job is trying to put God in his debt, but this is impossible for any creature to accomplish. The Lord told His disciples to reckon themselves ‘ unprofitable servants.’ “ It is the vain man, with nothing in his religion but words, who gets exalted with his own importance.” ( G.Philip)

God does not benefit from our relationship with Him, but we do ( vs. 21ff.) Nor does Job at any time say that his behaviour control God’s. God has a freedom to act. “ We do not help God, He is sovereign and needs no help from us.” ( J.A.Blair) God is all-sufficient and self-sufficient. No man puts God into his debt, nor does godliness lead to gain ; there is no merit in godliness. “ If we were righteous and sincere, and had done all that God requires of us, yet we do not profit God. A man walking thus may profit himself, but God is outside the reach of man’s good or ill.” ( J.Durham)

JULY 9

“ Is not thy wickedness great ? “  Job 22:5.

“ All wickedness is great because it is committed against a great God, against a great obligation to obey, and comes with great consequences.” ( T.Robinson) Sin, a great power, has produced this wickedness on earth when it entered the human race through Adam’s sin ( Rom.5:12) ; we are all affected by it, and sin in individuals is beyond our computation. Eliphaz thought Job was a great sinner, but he did not discern the enormity of even one sin. It carries infinite offence as it is committed against an infinite Being ( Jerem.2;19). Many, even in the ‘ church ‘ complain about God’s judgement even for one sin, because they neither understand God nor sin.

Eliphaz continues to see God’s glory in demonstrating His justice, but does not discern the glory of His mercy ; and both are demonstrated in Christ Jesus. God is just in punishing sin and also the justifier of those who have faith in Christ ( Rom.3). God has found a ransom, the demands of a broken law have been paid by the Redeemer ; the elect are released from hell-deserving guilt for sin. Contrary to Eliphaz’s accusation ( yet another ! ) against Job - “ It is true that Job asks God questions about His motives, but not once does he say that God was at fault - that would be the kind of thinking that Satan wants to drive us to.” ( R.Stedman)

JULY 10

“ Is not God in the height of heaven ? “ Job 22:12

God is transcendent ( Isaiah 40:22) and Isaiah “ celebrates especially the aweful transcendence of God, the aweful separateness between God and the world. God is sovereign King ; he pervades all but also transcends all. He has never abandoned His freedom in the presence of the things that He has made…The heavens declare His glory, He is revealed through the things that He has made. This revelation is confirmed and enriched by the Bible, and also by the example of our Lord.” ( J.G.Machen) But because He is not seen, God is either trivialised or forgotten. “ He is more sovereign than the highest imaginations can reach. He gives orders to all and receives orders from none.” ( J.Durham) But His greatness is not to be feared by the sinner who seeks Him. He is approachable through ( faith in ) Christ ( John 14:6) ; there is a gracious condescension in God to sinners who come this way.

Christ came to reveal His Father, by His Word and the Holy Spirit ( John 1:18). God is Lawgiver, Judge, ‘ without passions ‘ ; He does not go through emotional changes as we do. But He is not indifferent to sin, His justice requires its punishment, but such ‘ wrath ‘ does not change His essential blessedness ( 1 Tim.1:11). It is we who must be changed in our relationship to His moral government, from curse to blessing, from deserving punishment to gracious chastisement for sin. ( Ps.103:8-13).

JULY 11

“ Acquaint now thyself with God and be at peace…Lay up His words in  thy heart.”   Job 22:21,22.

Eliphaz is saying that there is something wrong in Job’s relationship to God, that he does not know Him rightly ; else why would he feel so dreadful ? Eliphaz therefore calls Job to repentance, to change his mind and ways. While sin does give separation and alienation from God, not everyone senses that. Job felt the distance between himself and God but it was not alienation, as Elphaz thought, but a sense of inexplicable forsakenness like David ( Ps.22:1). He was already reconciled to God through his Redeemer, but the ' Why"s ? " of his condition were weighing down his mind and body. This pain was going on, and he saw no way out. Faith was struggling with Providence and there was daily tension. He had no enjoyment of his peace with God ( Rom.5:1), and His Words were laid up in his heart, but the effect of power with His Word was missing. 

Eliphaz paints a happy future for Job if he repents, if he comes to accept God's terms of reconciliation ( vs.21 ) and returns to Him. This is sound doctrine, but Job has already been brought to know the true God ( John 17:3), and his 'godliness was according to doctrine'. It is true that we ought to make God's Word the rule for our practice, but also the guide for our responses to God. This is what Job was searching for, this is what Eliphaz was not discerning ie. that Job was seeking restoration and not reconciliation. Prejudice is dangerous to honest thinking, and Eliphaz was trying to load Job with false guilt - which is still an ecclesiastical practice today. The Bible tells us not only how to close with Christ ( reconciliation) but also how to keep close to Him, and how to patiently wait for Him when we lose the sense of the communion a condition which is always temporary, no matter how long !

JULY 12 

" If thou return to the Almighty..".   Job 22:23-27.

Eliphaz correctly describes what a sinner's renewed relationship with God would be like, eg there would be a delight in God ( vs.26). To ' return ' is to leave something behind and turn away from it, whether gold, popularity, falsehood etc. These things have no permanent value in comparison with Christ ; they must all be left behind at death. the Word of God tells us the way back ( Ps.119:24) and is our guide on the path to heaven. A ' face lifted up to God ' is an attitude of prayer and trust, relying upon God for ' help in time of need.' ( vs.25-27 ). God will do what is best for us ( 1 John 5:15), although faith must struggle with our own human wisdom sometimes. Believers shall have light in the darkness ( even if only a little sometimes, but enough for hope), the Holy Spirit shall keep the light shining ( vs.28).

Returning to God gives many blessings and benefits, including the grace to persevere, with or without joy, as we see in the lives of many in the Bible. Eliphaz is implying that Job is a backslider and has lost not only his peace because of this, but this is also the reason why his prayers are not being answered. But backsliding is not the only reason for loss of peace, and prayer is always answered in a visible manner. We are thankful we have the ' whole counsel of God ' t( Acts 20:27) to guide our thoughts, and not just the favourite passages of Job's friends. There are still such today who have a limited, stunted, knowledge and understanding of the Bible. And so their responses to their own and others' condition is mistaken.

JULY 13

" When men are cast down,then thou shalt say, ' There is lifting up.' "Job 22:29.

These words are encouraging to those who are  ' cast down,' whether mentally, physically or spiritually. God does encourage His people, because they need to be ! ( Deut.32:36.) We are also to use His promises to encourage others ( 2 Corinth. 1:4,10). We can all be ' cast down, but not destroyed ! " ( 2 Corinth.4). The devil delights to cause despair and the people of the world will help him to do so. We are to encourage those who have ' fallen inside ' as well as those who collapse visibly. " By this experience you know that there is a way by which God can lift up those who have been brought low." ( J.Durham) The believer is not without hope even when none is seen ( Rom.4).Such help must be practical too, and not just ' counselling.' Each believer who knows the experience of misery and recovery, ought to to help others, as they have ' been there.' We know the value of Divine support, but also the place for human support ' " two are better than one," said wise Solomon inEcclesiastes.No-one can descend below the reach of God's faithful mercy - ask, Samson, Manasseh, David, Paul or Peter. The fallen shall always be put back on their feet, even if it is not until their last days on earth ; none of God's elect can perish ( Micah 7:7-9,18). No trial is too great that God cannot bring you out of it ( Job 23). No failure is so great that you cannot get beyond it ;' with God nothing shall be impossible,' although it may often appear so to us.

JULY 14

" There is lifting up."  Job 22:29.

" This is needed by those whose head is bowed down and they can only see this world ( Luke 13:11). They need to be lifted up above the love of this world. It is the Lord who is the Uplifter (Ps.3:3) ; it is a lift only the Lord can give, by mercy and power for the sinner's guilt and helplessness ( Ps.27:6). In lifting He exerts His power to draw us near, and nearer to Christ, and all the way to heaven ( John 12:32). The condition of those who are lifted up is described as poor and needy ( Ps.113:7). They humble themselves, and the ( spiritually ) humble shall be exalted ( James 4:10. 1 Peter 5:6.). It is a lifting up by the hand of God, by the Spirit of power ( Mark 1:31).

There is the uplifted face of joy in reconciliation ( vs.26) and of confidence in God ( Luke 21:8), especially as we wait for Christ to return in triumph over His enemies and the world. The hands are also lifted up with the heart, in prayer and consecration ( Ps.6:3,4). hands that used to hang down in feebleness and idleness are now lifted up in holy intercession for others, and empty hands are offered to God to be filled with His service. The voice is lifted up in praise and testimony ( Isaiah 24:14.). Say to those who are cast down or sinking in the mire of guilt for sin, There is a lifting up - Look to Christ for it.  ( J.Smith)

JULY 15

" My stroke is heavier than my groaning."  Job 23:2.

Months had gone by, and Job was feeling worse, not better. He could find no answers, no empathy in his ' comforters ' and no light in the darkness. Getting through each day was all he could think about, surviving. He ignores his ' friends ' now ; they could say nothing and do nothing to help him. He now not only speaks about the Lord but to Him. He kneels in the dust, in great weakness ; did he have the strength even to get up ( Heb.12:12) ? There are days when our thoughts are not strong enough to move our bodies. Suffering drain's a person's energy, and his patience too. " Job was not exaggerating his grief ; he could not measure it or express it with words. He fell short of expressing what he felt within."( Spurgeon)

Often people groan more than what they suffer, but not Job. " The weight God has laid upon me is beyond what my groaning expresses. " ( J.Durham) He did not have the words, so he groaned ( Rom.8:23,26). This was the voice of his suffering. However, afflictions do not make any improvement in the person's character without the blessing of God's power with them. Affliction is a messenger from God, it has something to say. But what has it accomplished in us ? What is it daily accomplishing ? One effect should be that it should lead our thoughts to " that world where no groan shall ever be heard." ( A.Barnes )

JULY 16

" Oh that I knew where I might find Him...I would order my cause before Him "  Job 23:3,4.

" While sinners ( in suffering) turn from God in anger, the saints fly to Him with hope." ( Spurgeon) " Thou art a God that hides Thyself," said Isaiah. The believer must be patient. We cannot always have a sense of God's presence here, but we believe it. This condition shall last only as long as God deems it necessary, as in the case of Job ; faith does not constantly have feeling. There is no need for Job to name ' Him ' as " God was so often in his mind and mouth." ( J.Trapp) Job has a good conscience, he seeks His throne ; only God's final judgement matters. He would bring forth ' arguments ' to refute the false accusations of his ' friends.' " He would plead his cause before Him ( vs.4), not upon terms of strict justice, but upon those terms of grace and mercy by which God is pleased to deal with His sinful creatures ; ch.9:34,35. 16:21. 17:3." ( M.Poole)

No-one wants to meet God as an angry Judge ( but many will ), and it is therefore important that we approach Him in the way by which alone He will accept sinners, by way of His son, the Mediator ( Ps.2:11,12). It is a mark of grace to draw near to God, no matter what we feel or suffer ; there is a ' must ' about the faith He gives. But remember, God is not always ' found ' immediately, and the Lord encourages us to keep on praying ( Luke 18:1). " The longing desire of an afflicted child of God is once more to see his Father's Face." ( Spurgeon)

JULY 17

" Oh that I knew where I might find Him ! "  Job 23:3.

" These words hold out the breathings and longings of a soul for the enjoyment and fruition of God. I suppose that if the question were asked of everyone here today,' Whom seek ye ? ', I doubt if one in twenty would answer ' Christ Jesus.' Oh Christians and expecters of the crown of heaven, are you not longing for the sight of an absent God ? Are you not longing to get a sight of Him who is the excellency of the higher house and makes all the souls there to rejoice ? Is Christ not a great loss when He is away ? They are well that are above the clouds, beyond the risk of losing sight of Him. We may say with David, ' O Lord seek Thy servant,' ( Ps.119:176). It is a strange word, to bid the Master seek the servant ; but if Christ does not seek us we will never seek Him.There are three things in this world more sought after than God ; the riches of the world, the pleasures of the world and the applause of the world. Moreover, many are more taken up with the knowledge of christ than with Christ Himself. But what can you gain if you lose this excellent Jesus Christ ? ' he is a Rewarder of those that diligently seek Him,' ( Heb.11:6). If Christians were up early in the morning, and late at night about their duty, they would make better progress than they do. " ( Andrew Gray)

JULY 18

" Oh that I knew where I might find Him."  Job 23:3.

" Job's honesty clears the way for him to ask this question, the question that nags at all of us when we suffer." ( D.L.McKenna) After his wife died, C.S.Lewis wrote ( in a book called A Grief Observed ), " But where is God ? This is one of the most disquieting symptoms. When you are happy, it can be so happy that you have no sense of needing Him, so happy that you are tempted to feel His claims upon you as an interruption. but if you remember yourself, and turn to Him with gratitude and praise, you will be - or so it feels - welcomed with open arms. But when you go to Him when your need is desperate, when all other help is vain, what do you find ?...Silence ! You may as well turn away. The longer you wait, the more emphatic the silence will become. What does this mean ? Why is He so present a Commander in our time of prosperity, and so very absent a help in time of trouble ? Or so it feels. " The 'absence' of God is not the alienation of God ; His people are still loved in Christ, and always shall be. Job asks this question, but we then see him moving closer to God. To ask questions is a way of approaching the Subject, God.

JULY 19

" I would know the words with which He would answer me."  Job 23:5.

Job is only concerned about God's words, no other words matter for eternal life. It is God's book that shall be opened on the Day of Judgement ( Rev.20) - His friends would get a foretaste of Job's acquittal in ch.42. Meanwhile, Job ' committed himself to him that judges righteously ' ( 1 Peter 2:23). Not being sinless, Job was prepared to be humbled by God's chastising hand. He expected it ; God's love for His children will make them like Himself. There will necessarily be correction in this world ( Heb.12:5-13), it is daily necessary to ' shape ' us into His image. But chastisement, ' child-discipline ' is not punishment ; this was something his friends had never learned. We must forget this distinction, our training here will have a good end.

Job wanted to hear God's final verdict now, it would comfort him. But this open and public verdict is reserved for the Day of Judgement ( Matt.25:34  ) Meanwhile, faith travels towards it, we have the promise in Christ Jesus - but we must belong to Him, ' bought with the price ' of His own blood ( Acts 20:28). Faith can read the sentence of acquittal now, it is recorded in advance, in His Word ( Rom.5:1. 8:1). God has spoken, and has provided for our fears and anxieties about this matter. All this can be known now ( 1 Thess. 1:4,5). Cast not away your confidence in Him ', says the Apostle ( Heb.10:35-38).  You have his promise, do not be tempted to look for more !

JULY 20

" Will He plead against me with His great power ? No, but He would put strength in me. " Job 23:6.

The lord delights to lift up those who have been humbled by the contemplation of his grace. The JUdge shall declare the evidence by which they are forgiven ( vs.7) ; our duty is to trust and obey by faith. With his sense of weakness, Job, like Jacob, needs the strength to hold on ( Hosea 12:3,4). If God were to plead a case against a sinner, our case would be hopeless ; strict justice would prevail against us ( Ps.130:3), but there is a verse 4 in Psalm 130 ! Job consistently refuses to justify himself ( ch.9:15,20 ) and flees to Christ ( like the Publican), to the sinner's Refuge. It is always best to let God speak for you and not to rush to defend yourself. Christ is not only our Advocate but our Judge ( vs.7), and He will deliver us from all, including from ourselves ( 1 Corinth.4:3,4)" God will not plead against His people but for them. He will not use His power to crush them, but will make known His power in the vessels of mercy." ( J.Gill) Nothing will be laid ( successfully) to the charge of God's elect ( Rom.8:33-37) because of Christ Jesus. " When I die I am depending on God's justice, " said an old believer, " He will not punish my sins twice, once upon my Surety and then again on me." ( She perhaps had read Toplady on this matter). Job was given the strength to bear his afflictions, they would not be removed just yet, but when time ends here they will end here also ( Philipp.4:13).

JULY 21 

" But He knows the way that I take ; when He has tried me, I shall come forth like gold. "  Job 23:10.

" The Omniscient One knows what is in me." ( R.Jamieson). Job knew that the Lord knew ( Ps.139:7-10). His anchor, hope, held fast in the storms of his life, despite having no sense of the Lord's presence ( vs.8,9). The genuine believer does not go back to the world's teaching. He is not sinless and accepts he needs to be refined. His only comfort sometimes is that the Lord sees him,and the Lord makes no mistakes ; Job is open and genuine in his reliance upon God, a God who seems afar off. Job was on the right way, the way described by God, despite what others said, and would continue to go on that way, despite the cost. He knows He is in a furnace, but it is a furnace appointed and regulated by God ( Isaiah 48:10). He would look back on this experience later, not only as a test of his faithfulness but as a way of refining his character ( Ps. 66:10. 1 Peter 1:6,7). But the experience was nevertheless one of great distress, and he could do little more than pray for strength to hold on, get through the day. He knew that if he could not ' find ' God in the present, God would find him in the end. God tries all His children, refining them into more likeness to Himself, but also supports them under their trials, whether they are conscious of this at the time or not. Our comfort may not come from relief ( yet), but from the fact that He understands what we are going through ( especially when others do not, Jerem.12:3). We are God's ' workmanship ', and He shall yet ' crown His own work,' ( Augustine)

JULY 22 

" When He has tried me, I shall come forth like gold."  Job 23:10.

" What a purifying effect the experience of temptation produces ; what a separation it produces between dross and ore ! If a man has a grain of faith in his soul, temptation will discover it ; if he has a particle of living hope, temptation will bring it to light. Likewise, temptation will uncover any patience, love, humility, fear of God, vital power in the soul, grace of God in the heart - the flame of the furnace will manifest the gold by breaking up its alliance with the dross. You scarcely know whether you are a believer or unbeliever, until you pass through temptation. You do not know what the nature of faith is, as a Divine gift and spiritual grace, unless you have passed through this fiery trial. You do not know the worthlessness of creature religion or the emptiness of everything in self until you have been put into the furnace of temptation. temptation, as a fire, burns up everything that stands in the wisdom and strength of the creature, and brings us to this point - that  nothing in the soul, unless it comes from God, can live in the flame." ( J.C.Philpot)

" I shall come forth," says Job, not consumed but refined.

JULY 23

" His way have I kept...neither have I gone back...I have esteemed the Words of His mouth."  Job 23:11,12.

God's Word was precious to Job, more than his bodily food ( Jerem.15:16. Matt.4:4). His Word defined ' the path of life ' ( Ps.16) and he prayed to be kept on it (Ps.17:5). He followed God step by step, and when he did stumble he got up facing the right direction, like the Pilgrim at the Slough of Despond. Job is not boasting, he knows it is not by natural strength that he perseveres ( which is why he prays for it). " His constant endeavour was to express God to the world, and to express His virtue and praises by a suitable practice, 1 Peter 2;9." ( J. Trapp). We shall not be deceived if we follow God's word, God's commands. Like Enoch, Job would not turn aside from the path of truth ; thus we walk with God, in harmony. " We shall never profit in God's school until His Word is deeply rooted in our hearts." ( Calvin).

In times of suffering our attitude to the Word of God is important, it will shape our attitudes, our responses. It is important to grasp that God has a purpose in our suffering, that it is not aimless, but that God has a beneficial purpose ( which we shall yet see the end of ) ; whether it be our own life or the lives of others that we contemplate ( Jerem.29:11). " There is no doctrine more hated by worldlings as the sovereignty of God." ( Spurgeon) But if we deny the sovereignty of God we deny ourselves any comfort. " The future is your friend when Jesus Christ is your Lord." ( W.Wiersbe). It is painful sometimes to take steps forward, but we are not going back ! ( Heb.10:35-39).

JULY 24

" But He is in one Mind, and who can turn Him ? And what His soul desires,that He does. " Job 23:13.

God has one Will, part of it revealed and most of it concealed. He has no unfulfilled desires, none are frustrated, all are fulfilled. " He will follow His own way, we cannot bind Him with our reasons. Whatever He does, He performs no new thing but what He has appointed. ( J.Durham) We see coming to pass in time what He has planned from eternity, and even when it comes to pass it is not always comprehensible to us. God's mind does not change, nor can it be changed by our prayers. Moreover, to believe in a disappointed God is a form of religious atheism. " He does what He desires, His will executes His desire." ( J. Trapp) And His Will is always beneficial to his people ( vs.14. Rom.8:28). It is the task of a lifetime to bring our own minds into conformity to His. " He will not do what I please or desire, but only what pleases Himself." ( M.Poole)

The natural response of the sinner is to resist what God declares to be His Mind ( John 5:40). God must change minds and hearts ( Ps.110:3) to convince sinners to follow Him in His way ( Isaiah 14;27. Daniel 4:35). He makes all his decisions on his own, His Will is irresistible and man's opposition shall accomplish nothing against His purpose ( Ps.76:10). God's plan for each life on earth cannot be altered. To change His Mind on anything would be a sign of imperfection, His wisdom is perfect. The End has already been written cf. Revelation ch. 20-22.

JULY 25

" For He performs the thing that is appointed for me." Job 23:14.

Providence shows us how the decrees of God go into action. When a period of suffering is decreed for us we must trust and pray for the patience and strength to get us through it. This is what God expects of us. To say, " Thy Will b e done," is to trust Him for the future. The sovereign decrees of God, " although always just, are often secret, and we cannot discern the reasonableness or equity of them, as in the case of Job." ( M.Poole) All is decreed before anyone is created, and Christ has also fulfilled all what was necessary for His  people's salvation - this is the great matter for our contemplation in the midst of affliction. Nothing in the universe is outwith God's control, nothing left to chance. " Creatures and events are linked to each other in His purpose throughout the universe, the chain existing from one eternity to another." ( T.Robinson) The life of Joseph, in particular, shows the intricate Providence of God, working for the good of His people.

We shall meet on the road ahead what He has appointed for us. " I do not know what the future holds, but I know Him who holds the future." ( Anon.) We must continue to believe that God has good reasons for His actions - how could it be otherwise ? ( 1 Thess.3:3). " All's well that ends well." The fact remains, that it's how you finish that matters ! " Hold out faith and patience," says the Pilgrim.

JULY 26

" Therefore am I troubled at His presence ; when I consider, I am afraid ofHim."   Job 23:15.

The contemplation of God in His absolute power can trouble us. This is why we need a Mediator, and if we lose sight of the Mediator and see only an absolute God, we are afraid ( Ps.77:3). This is something we have to be taught, to approach God only and always through the mediation of Christ ; it is the principle teaching of the Bible, and refers us to the Covenant of Grace, made and unfolded. The Covenant of Works had no Mediator, we were on our own and having broken it by sin, we are on our own to face the penalty, and are rightfully afraid. " It is weakness to fear man, but it is madness not to be afraid of God." (J.Trapp) However, if we commit ourselves into the hands of the Mediator by faith, ' God is for us ' ( Rom.8). " When we say that God is Almighty it is not only to honour Him but to rest upon Him." ( Calvin) A world without God is like a ship without a rudder, but this is the attitude of the atheist, who lives and dies without comfort, but with a secret fear.

Great suffering could not extinguish Job's faith, but it could certainly dampen his joy. ' Soft hearts ' ( vs.16) have sensitivity and tender thoughts. Some days we can be ' too sensitive for our own good.' How many times have we seen children frightened when there was no reason to be ? - Let us apply this to ourselves, for we are children also, but God's children !

JULY 27

" Because I was not cut off before the darkness."  Job 23:17.

Suffering is often compared to darkness. You 'cannot see' the reason for it, nor can you ' see ' the way out of it ( Isaiah 50:10). " He has neither taken me out of my affliction, not taken my affliction away from me." ( J.Durham) Job was set in the ' forefront of the battle,but Job endured, and a good conscience helped him to. " When we are truly humbled by our affliction, we are near our deliverance from it. The bandage must be kept on until the wound is healed." ( J.Caryl) Job had been plunging through the waves of darkness for a long time, and it did hurt inside !" Even though you cannot see the end, you can know it. The ' life that is hid with Christ in God ' is safe forever." ( G.Philip) If you have a heavy cross, look to the cross of Christ to help you bear it. We would all like to ' die in our beds,' but the main thing is to ' die in the Lord.' It may be desirable to get out of this world, but we need to check our motive for this. " We cannot go back, let us therefore by faith go forward." ( Spurgeon)

" If He resolves, who. dare oppose,

  Or ask Him why or what He does ?

  But He can calm the tempestuous soul,

  And rescue souls from long despair. " ( Anon.)

JULY 28

" Times are not hidden from the Almighty."  Job 24:1.

God has hidden many things from us, and does not inform us of what shall happen in the days ahead, (although we know the end of all things). " The secret things belong to the Lord our God." ( Deut.29:29. Acts 1:6)) But God does reveal enough to us to trust Him, and we must be wary of wanting more than He is willing to tell us. Submission to Him is a matter for prayer, " Lord, I believe, Help Thou my unbelief."  God's wrath is not believed here because little of it is seen here , but " God does punish some wicked men here, not only to show His patience with others, but so that His promise of judgement is also evidenced." ( Augustine) However, many will still be saying, " Peace and safety," when He comes for Judgement ( 1 Thess. 5:2,3). The time is hidden, and many find false comfort in this.

Christians may question the non-intervention of God when they are attacked or put into distress, but God's activity on our behalf is not to be judged by our non-perception of it. God continues to work ( John 5:17   although many think He has stopped. The Apostle reminds us to ' judge nothing before the time.' Not everything has been revealed yet, there are yet surprises to come. There is a time for all to happen, and nothing by chance ( Eccles. 3:1-8). The times are determined from eternity. " The future, as truly as the present, is under His perfect inspection, Acts 1:15. 15:18. " ( T.Robinson) God is in control.

JULY 29

" They are of those that rebel against the light...and do not abide in the paths."   Job 24:13.

Truth is light, and so they are afraid of it. They avoid it because it exposes their sins ( vs.14-17). This is why they resent the word of God also, it hurts the unrenewed conscience ( John 3:18. Rom.1:18). Sins against conscience are kept suppressed in the darkness of the mind; the light coming in would make us direct attention to them, so they are wilfully ignored. The Word is avoided as it reinforces conscience. Society, including the worldly church, helps to trivialize sin by ridiculing the ' fear of the Lord,', which is Biblical also. Some wish to reform their lives but they do not have the grace to persevere, they ' do not abide ' in the paths of righteousness ( Prov.2:13. Psalm 23).

Job highlights the truth that many sinners wait for darkness to commit the worst sins ; which is tacit evidence that sin is something to be ashamed of. But there are no secrets from God ( Ps.139:11). People who do not like the light of truth or scrutiny have a reason for this ! Better to confess the sin in repentance and pray for the strength to avoid it again. " The  pleasures of sin are dearly bought," ( T.

Robinson). There can be no real peace when you live in fear of detection. God has revealed the path to heaven, to eternal life - it is by following Christ there.

JULY 30

" No man is sure of life...exalted for a little while...and cut off."  Job 24:22-24.

Retribution is rarely immediate, but will come according to God's wise timing, a time we cannot predict. It will come eventually, and none can prevent it ( Ps. 22:29). ( cf. Jonathan Edwards sermon on Deut.32:35.)  It is no security for a natural man that he is in now in good health and there is no visible danger, but the danger of retribution is invisible ; " He slumbers not nor sleeps." ( Ps.121). The unseen,unthought of ways and means of persons going suddenly out of this world are inconceivable and innumerable...The arrows of death fly unseen at noonday, the sharpest sight cannot discern them. ..It depends on the mere Will of God whether sinners shall not at any moment go to hell." ( J.Edwards). Man has his day, but God shall have His Day, the Day of the Lord shall come.

A sense of security based on ' success' can quickly vanish. If God is not our Refuge ( Ps.148:3), He cannot be our strength when all other hope is gone 

( Ps.46:1.). Better to lose all other hopes in order to have the One the Father gives ( Ps.142:5)1 Tim. 1:1) ; His is eternal. " Men are spared to ripen, either for mercy or for judgement." ( T.Robinson) God's people are lowly, in their own esteem and certainly low in the eyes of the world. But they are dear and near to the Lord. (Ps.148:14).



JULY 31

" Is there any number of His armies ? "  Job 25:3.

No human can count the number of angels under God's command, whom God commands and sends to carry out His Will ( Heb.1:14 &12:22. Ps. 68:17 & 103:20,21). " Spirits walk the earth unseen, both when we wake and when we sleep." ( John Milton) The battle between good and evil is cosmic, but there can only be one winner ! There is an army in nature working for God also ( Job 38:22,23. Ps.148:8. Judges 5:20) - powers which are underestimated, until they come suddenly ! " God has all things at His command. Although He can do all things by Himself, yet He makes use of creatures to effect His purposes." ( J. Caryl)

Angels that excel in strength, that do His commandments.( Ps.103:20) J.C.Hare comments," The chief excellence of the angels, the main cause of their strength and power, of their immense superiority to mankind, is set forth - they do His commandments. They who do the will of God faithfully and obediently  have God ' for them ' ; and then who can be against them ? The work itself strengthens them, and is like a tide bearing them onward ; because it is His work." There is something we can learn from the angels here.