Job 29

“When I was in my prime, God’s friendship was felt in my home.” (Job 29:4, NLT)

There are times when looking back brings great joy. We have fond memories of people and places. We recall our pleasant emotions when it seemed that all was well with the world. But at other times looking back brings sorrow to the heart. We miss the friendships of people who have become estranged from us. For whatever reason, they have left our fellowship and friendship, leaving a hole within us. Relationships and memories make or break us.

I don’t think any of us can relate to the intensity of loss that Job felt. Everything in this life that had been meaningful to him had been snatched away. It seemed that even the friendship and fellowship of God had been stolen from him. He looked back to his glory days when he walked through his home feeling the indescribable favor of the LORD. But those days were gone, and now it seemed as though God had become his enemy. The worst of it was that he didn’t know why.

All Job could do was to reflect on happier times with his friends. People used to care about what he said. They used to seek out his wisdom. They used to count it a lovely day whenever Job would smile at them. But those days had vanished with yesterday’s news.

As I write these words, I feel overjoyed. God has blessed Cindy and me in every way. He has given to us the desires of our hearts. On holidays we are surrounded by the laughter of our children, their spouses, and our grandchildren. We feel the friendship and favor of the Lord and our dear friends. But that could all change. Our fortunes could reverse; our health could fail; someone could die in a tragic accident; friends could abandon us. None of us are immune to life’s tragedies. If any of these things were to happen, would we hold fast to faith, integrity and courage as Job did? Would we stay the course and find reasons to rejoice in the Lord always? I hope so.

The Holy Spirit has given us this wonderful book and the example of God’s beloved servant Job, so that we can all “hang in there” when trouble comes, knowing that the testing of our faith produces character. And in the end, we shall have never-ending glory days!