Have you ever asked the question to God, “why is this happening to me?” or felt the wrestling turmoil on the inside with fear, frustration, and suffering? Have you ever been in a season of life that feels never ending with a world full of color but somehow it still seems dark? Well, so has Job.

In the book of Job, we read as he faces trials and tribulations, he was left with absolutely nothing. Depression is covered all over Job as he speaks the words “I would rather be strangled - rather die than live in this body. I give up; I will not live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are a breath.” (Job 7:15-16 CSB).  Has there ever been a time in your own life where the words “I give up” are said? Even Job, a man who was blameless, upright, God-fearing, and full of endurance said those exact words. Although those words were said, Job still never lost faith in the Lord. Praise God that He has provided us with true stories in the bible that can help guide us in the seasons of life that bring us to feeling like giving up.

In Job 13, We find him deeply trusting in God even if God kills him. Read that part again…even if God kills him. The Hebrew word in Job 13:15 is yachel, which means to wait, hope, or expect. Translations of the Bible are in many different forms and this word in translations like CSB, ESV, NIV chose the word “hope”. Whereas older versions like KJV use the word trust. Why does this matter? Because it gives you a better understanding of this verse; hope emphasizes the expectation that God will eventually pardon Job, trust emphasizes faithfulness even without seeing how things will come about. Both are important in how to understand the feelings of Job in this verse, “Even if he kills me, I will hope in him. I will still defend my ways before him.” (Job 13:15). Job is ready to trust God even if that means he would lose his life and we see that Job is still very hopeful in God. However, Job is vulnerable with God and wants to speak honestly to Him.

During your trials and tribulations of life, keep trusting and hoping in God just as Job did. God never lets your pain go to waste - your pain is for His purpose. The tears that flow down your cheeks are always bottled into God’s loving jar (Psalm 56:8). He sees your pain, suffering, grief, anger, loneliness, anxiety - God never leaves your side even in the seasons of silence. Come to Him as you are. Be vulnerable with God. He wants to hear your voice call out to Him in moments of pain. He wants you to lay it all at His feet and trust Him. 

In times that we cannot see what the ending will be, have faith in knowing that God is moving even in the darkness and quietness (2 Corinthians 5:7 CSB). He is a God who is faithful and unchangeable. He loves you and will never forsake you.

 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Even in my darkest moments, I choose to trust You. When I don’t understand the pain, help me to remember that You are working all things for good. Teach me to hope in You, even when answers don't come quickly. Strengthen my heart to be honest before You and to keep walking by faith, not by sight. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

This week, take time each day to be completely honest with God in prayer. Whether through journaling, speaking aloud, or silent reflection, bring your real emotions to Him. Trust that even when you don’t see it, God is using your pain to fulfill a greater purpose in your life.