I wrote this several years ago, but have had it on my heart again recently. I pray that it will be an encouragement to someone today.
This morning, my devotions were in Job. As I was reading, Job 19:23-27 spoke once again to my heart. This passage never fails to catch my attention,
“Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever! For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.” (Job 19:23-27)
Job is crying out here his heart’s desire. He is under attack by Satan, and in agony physically. He is advised by his wife to “curse God and die”. He is accused by his “friends” instead of comforted. He feels, and even fears, that he has been abandoned by God.
He longs to be heard, and so he prays, “Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!” Little did Job know that his prayer was answered. I hold his answer in my hands, and read his words “printed in a book”, and not just any book, but THE Book that God has promised to “preserve…from this generation for ever.” (Ps. 12:7)
In the midst of his ambiguity – his doubt, confusion, and fear – his heart still speaks with strong assurance, “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold….”
Whatever you are going through today, I pray that you will be encouraged by the words of Job. You may be under attack of the devil. You may be in agony of heart or mind or body. You may have those closest to you giving you wicked advice, and you may be tempted to heed it. You may be accused and reproached and betrayed by the ones you hoped to give you comfort. You may feel abandoned and afraid that God does not hear your cry.
But open your Bible and read the words of Job 19:23-27. In spite of everything, God did hear Job, and answered him – not in a way that was obvious at the time, but in a way that was absolute. Do you know Christ as your Savior? Then hold on to the assurance that your Redeemer liveth! He is victorious! No matter what the circumstances may seem to be today, Jesus Christ is your Advocate, and He is interceding on your behalf. And one day, your faith will become sight, and your “eyes shall behold”. Trust Him in the dark and know that your “light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (II Cor. 4:17)
