JOB 29–30

JOB 29–30

JOB 29–30

Longing for the past (29). When life is difficult, it is normal to look back to “the good old days” and want to turn back the clock. But that approach is selfish (note how many times Job says “I” and “my”) and only adds to your pain. It makes enjoying happiness more important than experiencing holiness. Job listed some of the blessings he had enjoyed and some of the services he had performed for others, and all of that should have prepared him to face his trials with confidence.

The past must be more than a memory; it must be a ministry. Today will soon be a yesterday. Are you using today to grow in the Lord so you are prepared for tomorrow? Is life an investment or just an enjoyment?

Lamenting the present (30). “But now,” says Job (vv. 1, 16), and he launches into his complaint about his sufferings. His friends mock him (vv. 1–15), his body hurts him (vv. 16–19), his God has deserted him (vv. 20–23), and his hope has fled from him (vv. 24–31). He cannot return to the past, endure the present, or face the future!

Whenever your circumstances lead you to join Job in the “dust and ashes” (v. 19), remember that the Lord Jesus once was there (Ps. 22:15) and knows how you feel. He is adequate for your yesterdays and tomorrows as well as your todays (Heb. 13:8). Do not just remember your past enjoyments; also remember God’s past mercies (Ps. 77:1–12), and trust Him for the future.

“The good old days are often a combination of a bad memory and a good imagination.”

↑ Back to top