Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Job+014

CHAPTER 14 (ESV)
1 “Man who is born of a woman
is few of days and full of trouble.
2 He comes out like a flower and withers;
he flees like a shadow and continues not.
3 And do you open your eyes on such a one
and bring me into judgment with you?
4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?
There is not one.
5 Since his days are determined,
and the number of his months is with you,
and you have appointed his limits that he cannot pass,
6 look away from him and leave him alone,
that he may enjoy, like a hired hand, his day.

REFLECTION:

Life is short and full of sorrow, which is Job’s lamentation in extreme pain. Illness, loneliness, and death made Job feel that his life was not fair. Yet Job had hope in the midst of great suffering. No matter how unfair the world is today, and no matter how much suffering we endure, God promises to walk with us. Are you confident in accepting this promise from God? Job’s remarks in this chapter also illustrate an important truth: knowing what you believe does not mean pleasing God, and truth that has not been tested by life is sluggish and inactive. Just as the arid land urges the roots of trees to grow deeper in search of water, the deeper they take root, the more likely they are to approach the hidden stream. The same is true of suffering, which can urge us to truly experience God’s grace beyond the superficial knowledge of truth, and thus have a beautiful hope and abundant life.

PRAYER:

God, thank You for promising that You will be with me in any circumstance. Although life includes suffering such as illness, loneliness, and death, I cannot get through these on my own. However, in my suffering, You allow me to truly experience Your grace, causing my spiritual life to take deep roots and bear fruit, leading to beautiful hope and abundant life.

HYMN:

Beautiful Saviour – www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq6LFTzgBo0