You will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security. – Job 11:18
Today’s verse, from the Old Testament account of Job, is from advice given to him by his friend Zophar. Job has already been questioned and advised by two other friends, who probably meant well but who did not have the level of faith that Job had nor the confidence in God that Job relied upon. Yet it appears that Zophar presumes he knows the thoughts of God and is speaking to Job on God’s behalf. Zophar is certain that Job is undergoing suffering because of sin in his life. His theology, still shared by some today, is that testing comes to those whose hearts are not right with the Lord. You know Job’s story, and you know that Zophar was wrong in his judgment of Job.
Has your faith been tested? Do not be surprised or fearful. In times of testing, Jesus is faithful to be by your side. Testing increases your strength, your reliance on the Lord, and your faithfulness to Him, and ultimately brings glory to the Father. The apostle James tells you how to respond to testing, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4).
Many view America as going through a time of national testing. Will U.S. citizens cling to the faith of their fathers, repent, and return to the Lord? Or will they give themselves over to all kinds of sinfulness (Ephesians 4:19). Pray that apathy will give way to repentance and that the nation would be restored to knowing God as the Lord.
Today’s Verse: Job 11:18
And you will feel secure, because there is hope;
you will look around and take your rest in security.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 Peter 5:8-11
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
