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Job 10: Listen to my bitter complaint! (Day 42)

Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.

Pray

Pray

Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.

Reflect

Daily reflection: Job 10

Job 10 makes interesting reading alongside Psalm 139. There’s a striking similarity in what the writers say about the God who ‘knit [them] together’ in their mothers’ wombs – he is all powerful, all knowing and present everywhere – but a stark contrast in the way they respond. Where the psalmist is full of awe, Job – in his suffering – pours out bitter complaint.

The psalmist feels protected: ‘You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me’ (verse 5). No matter where he goes, God’s Spirit and presence is with him (verse 7) and God’s hand seems gentle – it leads and holds (verse 10). In contrast, Job feels hunted, imagining God as a lion in relentless pursuit (verses 16–17). It seems God watches him not to protect, but to collect damning evidence against him (verse 14).

The psalmist eagerly invites, ‘Search me, O God, and know my heart!’ (verse 23a) whereas Job cries out, ‘Are not my days few? Then cease, and leave me alone …’ (verse 20). Job expects oblivion in ‘the land of gloom like thick darkness' (verse 22), but as the psalmist points out, ‘even the darkness is not dark to you’ (verse 12).

In the midst of suffering, a previously encouraging truth about God can ring hollow. Hearing that God has a plan for your life that will happen according to his timing can sound like a meaningless platitude when you’re in pain. Like Job, you may begin to question God’s love and goodness. Perhaps Satan edged forward in his seat, sure that Job was about to curse God …

But when Satan tries to twist the truth and confuse us about God, the best thing to do is to follow Job’s example. Yes, he makes bitter complaint, but he appeals directly to God, the ultimate source of truth. We can do the same, knowing that he sent his son not to condemn but to save.

Pray

Pray

God, thank you that I can speak to you, even in the bitterness of my soul. Thank you that you hear my prayers even when I am hurt and confused. Lord, protect me from Satan’s attempts to mislead me, and draw me to you as the only source of comfort and truth.


This reflection was written by Esther King, Digital Communications Officer at Bible Society

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