Read chapter in full: www.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:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.  As you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind into your devotional journal.

HYMN:

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