Suffering: Day 5

But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction.

Job 36:15 NIV

Thought

Job is the model for suffering; “the patience of Job” is a modern idiom. Job patiently suffered affliction, yet he was not entirely passive. He wanted to know the reason; he wanted to know the “why” of his suffering. In grief you may seek in vain for the “why” of death. Because of his suffering, Job learned to listen and to trust God. Listen for God speaking to you in your affliction.

Prayer

God, like Job, I want to know “why.” I listen; you speak. You answer that I am not supposed to know the “why” of death. Help me to listen. Deliver me in my suffering. Amen.

Assurance

When my rampant emotions run their course and gradually subside, my suffering will moderate.