‘Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?’
Job 2:10 NIV
We’ll all face times of suffering and pain. We’re not immune to these things because we’re Christians. One day we’ll be in a place where ‘“there will be no more death” or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away’ (Revelation 21:4 NIV). Job was ‘an honest and innocent man’ (Job 1:1 NCV). But a whole chain of bad things happened to him. He lost his animals and servants, all ten of his children died, and his health declined. In all this he continued to trust in God. But ‘Job’s wife said to him, “Why are you trying to stay innocent? Curse God and die!”’ (v.9 NCV). Job had a choice in this very dark valley. He could fall apart and turn away from God, like his wife was encouraging him to do, or he could draw closer to God and continue to praise and trust Him despite everything he was facing. Job answered his wife, saying: ‘Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?’ He was aware that life wasn’t always going to be good, and accepted the fact that his had now been filled with trouble. Sometimes it can feel like God’s abandoned us and taken away everything He blessed us with. But even in the darkest valleys, He’s still there and He’s still walking alongside us. Psalm 23 says: ‘Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid, because you are with me’ (Psalm 23:4 NCV). If our lives seem to be filled with trouble and we’re wondering where God is, let’s ask Him to show us that He’s right beside us, encouraging us to keep walking until we see His goodness shining through again. What Now? Sit in a dark room and pray for all those who are walking through dark valleys at the moment. Pray that they would feel God’s presence with them.