Job’s response to the unexpected death of his children and the destruction of his wealth could have been anger and despondency. Yet, he fell to the ground in a posture of worship and stated, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” (Job 1:21). This did not signify he agreed with what had happened, but it does show that, regardless of how the world seemed to be treating him, Job chose God. Friends later gathered to console him but were anything but encouragers or supporters. As they talked, Job once cried out, “Where is my hope – who can see any hope for me” (Job 17:5). We know that he was not giving up but just wanted to understand why life was playing out the way it was.
Many of us have been in a similar situation where we have wondered why life seems to be treating us so poorly and why the world appears to be misbehaving. If you follow world news headlines, you may have found yourself confused and even angry at the words being spoken by world leaders. Hedonism, immorality and demands for individual rights taking precedence over societal harmony offer uncertainty for us and future generations. It can make you angry, despondent, confused or even fearful, and some may say those responses are expected. However, we had foreknowledge of the world’s destructive nature and God’s restorative plan. Jesus is on the throne and will remain there and, at the time chosen, will finally rid the world of wickedness. We must be prepared to be the beacon of hope for those around us.
Should we be concerned about increasing immorality growing around us? Is it everywhere, in schools, entertainment, and politics? Yes, we should be, and where appropriate, we should stand for righteousness and instruct our children to think biblically about the sin they will most certainly encounter. But if we’re constantly outraged, disgusted, discouraged, or panicked, then we haven’t come to grips with the Bible’s grim description of the world, and we aren’t fully trusting in our coming, conquering, and reigning king.
The future of hope to those who call Jesus Lord and Saviour is the consummation of our salvation at death or when God brings present the world affairs to an end. However, we have a purpose while on this earth, which includes being the hope for our circle of family and friends. We need to help them see beyond the ugliness around us. We do this by being the image of God that we are created to be.
Despite his confusion, Job stood firm in his belief that God was in control. Although he wanted to understand why he was experiencing such misery, his hope rested with God and His promises. He declared, “I know that my Redeemer lives and that in the end, He will stand on the earth” (Job 19:25). This motivational statement should keep our eyes focused on heaven and our hearts on the mission He entrusted us. This week, I was reminded that some of us need to get on our knees and repent for our hopelessness. God, in His wisdom and grace and according to His will, allowed the events of Job’s life to play out as they did, just as He let the world do the same. We don’t give in or give up. We look in and look up to inspire and encourage hope in others.