WE ARE NOT ALONE
- Key Verse
"What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What prospects, that I should be patient? Do I have the strength of stone? Is my flesh bronze? Do I have any power to help myself, now that success has been driven from me?" (Job 6:11-13)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
God is our help even when all other resources have abandoned us.
Reflections
As an engineer, I like to figure out things by myself. I have always been independent and try to "do it myself" before I ask for help. While this is a good quality and admired in our culture, it is also a deterrent in our walk with God. In high school, I was afraid to fully commit to Christ -- not because I didn't believe, but because I wanted to be perfect and correct all the broken parts of my life first. I know that this is impossible and the reason we need Jesus. Today I still struggle with trying to be perfect before I go to God. I want to try to fix it myself first and only go to God when I fail.
In this passage, Job has lost every possible human resource. He's lost his wealth, respect, family, and health. After bad advice from his own wife, his one remaining hope was that his friends would stand with him. In their attempt to counsel him, they wound him more with harsh words and false accusations. He has no human resources left. He doesn't even have a Bible or knowledge of God's ultimate plan. He is truly alone. He finds himself lacking the strength to hope (v. 11) and asks, "Do I have any power to help myself?" (v. 13)
As a reader with perspective of the rest of the Bible, I just want to go back in time and shout to Job and say, "Yes, you do have a Power and a Strength!" I want to tell him things will be all right because God's help is always there even when every other resource has left us.
Sometimes I need someone to yell that to me -- to tell me to stop trying to fix everything myself and to rely on the Creator of the universe. In this imperfect world, there is only one "Help" that will not fail us: "I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:1-2)
Discussion Questions
1. What earthly resources do you put ahead of God? (Self? Family? Money? Knowledge?)2. Has there ever been a time when worldly resources either abandoned you or did not provide the help you needed?
3. What can you do to rely more on God?
Chip Smith
March 8, 2010 06:07 AM
Great thoughts on Job 6, Jason. There has been times I have felt the sting of losing everything. There was a time when our boys, who were very young at that time, thought it was a grand adventure to search our vehicles, couches, and drawers for loose change so we could buy groceries. Although we made it into a fun game, the situation was overwhelming. I could definitely relate to Job 6:11-13. Like you, I could not fix this one myself. The pressure on our marriage was enormous. However, through wise, Christian counsel, we began walking and praying for each other every morning. Out of that time of prayer and communion with God together, God healed and began to rebuild our lives again. That was many years ago, but to this day, we have continued the wonderful habit of praying together almost every day. Our God is an awesome God, isn't He! Have a great day.
Mark Sutton
March 8, 2010 06:21 AM
Jason, Thanks for the devotion. We can add nothing to what Christ has done and completed for us on the cross. He has given me so much in his word and the fellowship of his church. Praise God.
Terry Melle
March 8, 2010 06:56 AM
This episode in Job's journey makes me wonder how often, and to whom have I acted just like Job's friends?
Monica James
March 8, 2010 10:12 AM
Wow! It's as if I would have written this myself, word for word. After trying unsuccessfully to fix things over the past couple of years (or decades, really), I finally came to realize all I need to do was turn to the Lord. There have been days I've compared myself to Job and realize things really aren't that bad. All I need to do is to be patient and listen. Thank you so much for sharing! Many continued blessings to you and your wonderful family.
Mitch Long
March 8, 2010 02:05 PM
Joason, Thank you for you honest and humble remarks. as I come to a cross roads in my life I need to look to our Lord for guidance and wisdom and be humble enough to give it to God. Bless you and your family.