Comfort and joy—isn’t that a phrase we hear during the holidays? They are lyrics we sing at Christmas time, and while it’s not December anymore, comfort and joy are things we desire year-round. They can be found when we root ourselves in the truth of God’s Word, which accurately reveals who we are in Christ.
I’ve been in a season of uncertainty, which has prompted frustration and anxious thoughts. As a Christian, I’m ashamed to admit it, but some days these thoughts have spiraled out of control. I know that God’s Word instructs me not to be anxious, “but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, to present my requests to him” (Philippians 4:6). I’ll admit that my natural response to uncertainty in my life is not necessarily a biblical response; however, I’m thankful for the Holy Spirit who indwells me, providing me with supernatural guidance, direction, and self-control.
Second Corinthians 10:5 urges me to take every thought captive and conform them to the will of Christ Jesus. I am instructed to focus my mind on what is pure, lovely, and holy, according to Philippians 4:8. Recently, I committed with a group of ladies to read the Bible chronologically this year. Herein lies accountability to practice what I teach, rooting myself daily in God’s Word. It has been an incredible journey so far, and I am currently right in the middle of the book of Job. Although in the past I have “suffered through” this book that can feel somewhat depressing, in this season, I am so grateful to be meditating on it.
I’ve read it before, but this time when I got to Job 2:10 and Job rebukes his wife, helping her to understand the importance of accepting both good and adversity, “it hit different,” as my kids say. I recalled a seminary professor who once said, “The most important thing you can think is what you think about God.” Job’s words tell us what he thinks about God and the reason he was called “upright” and “blameless” by God in Job 1:1.
Job’s speeches to his well-meaning but prideful friends have caused me to dwell on God’s sovereignty over all things. God allowed Satan to inflict suffering on Job, but he also limited Satan’s power to do harm. Limiting reminds me that he is and has always been in control, and I can trust him to do what is best. I am seeing in the book of Job that God used suffering to grow Job as well as those around him. I also see now that he is using life challenges to grow and mature me. I see his character more clearly, know him more intimately, and trust him more fully through my time studying this motivating book.
I am grateful for Job’s words that attest to God’s power, sovereignty, and holiness because they help me to take my eyes off me. I acknowledge that my struggles pale in comparison to Job’s and certainly to the sufferings of Jesus, yet I recognize how my own painful season is growing me in perseverance and establishing me in maturity (James 1). I am so glad that God is not finished with me (Philippians 1:6). “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him” (Job 13:15). He is a trustworthy God who reveals himself plainly to us in his Word. Like Job, we can trust God’s promises, finding comfort and joy in him in any season. I think perhaps Shane and Shane had similar thoughts when they penned the song “Though He Slay Me.” You might just want to give it a listen.
