Read Job 29-30
Verses chosen for meditation:
“God has cast me into the mire, and I have become like dust and ashes. I cry to you for help and you do not answer me; I stand, and you only look at me. You have turned cruel to me; with the might of your hand you persecute me.”
Job 30:19-21 ESV
Reflection
Job had been an upright man who helped the needy and delivered many good deeds in his glorious days. There was a stark contrast between the former past of glory and the current state of despair, mockery and abandonment. The part that probably grieved him most would be that God who was once so gracious and protective of him has now turned against him to the extent of inflicting pain and suffering on him. Job was crying out to God who no longer listens to his plea for help anymore.
Relate
We have all been through the situation where a glorious day was suddenly over casted by gloomy and cumulonimbus clouds. We were totally unprepared to face the sudden calamity. Some of us might even feel that the storm was somehow temporary and soon it would blow away with a quick passing shower. But what if the situation persists, and one bad moment leads to another, and there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel like the one experienced by Job?
When Covid first hit us in early 2020 I had the impression that this would be one quick passing storm. But when the situation got worse with people starting to die, circuit breaker enforced, and the virus spreading across the globe like wildfire, I began to recognize the gravity of this pandemic. Families were torn apart by border closure and there was no definite date given for the reopening. The situation seemed to linger with no sign of quick recovery. Everyone felt hopeless and many prayed to God for His divine intervention. Some even wondered whether God has forsaken humanity. All we could do then was to pray and wait.
At times when we or our loved ones were afflicted with sickness and painful loss, we prayed for restoration and healing. But the day and night of intercession seemed to receive no response from God. Like Job we often asked God the same question of why He has abandoned us and caused us harm. We were desperate to see His grace and mercy at work. We grew impatient to receive an answer.
As for Covid we could say that we are now out of the woods and most part of our lives have been restored to normalcy. And we praise God for His faithfulness that we were spared from further pain caused by the pandemic. But many of us are still suffering from the agony of other unanswered prayers in many different parts of our lives, be it health, work, children’s education and relationships. God goes on silent mode, and He seems to be not hearing our prayer. We are done waiting, and we are mentally exhausted. All the Bible verses and promises do not seem to come to life anymore! I have known of a member who left the church because God did not answer his prayer for many years. People grew disappointed and lost their faith.
Yet at times like this we are reminded to remember God’s good deeds - “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old, I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.” Psalm 77:11-12. Yes, indeed! we need to be reminded of all the great and mighty things God did for us in our lives. Start counting the blessings and writing them down one by one, and you would be surprised how long the list goes… Remember the time when God protected us or our loved ones, the time when He provided for us, or the time when he blessed us with a job, so on and so forth? God has done it, and He will do it again! “And you are to hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have until now “- Joshua 23:8
Sometimes in sickness or despair we experience God’s grace, and His strength is magnified. And with this we will not boast of ourselves and be conceited. Just as what Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” We need God, even more in times of need and suffering.
Rest
I need Thee every hour
Most gracious Lord
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford
I need Thee, O I need Thee
Every hour I need Thee
O bless me now, my Savior
I come to Thee
Alan Wong
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