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Hope for Job
Eighteen times in the book of Job, the word hope is mentioned.
Job cries out for hope.
“What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What prospects, that I should be patient? (Job 6:11)
And in the words of his friends, Bildad, and Zophar,
Hope is for those who remember God.
Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless. (Job 8:13)
And there is security in hope.
You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. (Job 11:18)
However, their words of hope are intermixed with accusations and their own interpretation of why Job is suffering.
In chapter 42, God chastises these friends, but does not mention Job’s young friend Elihu. This is likely because he spoke up in God’s defense.
It is Elihu’s mention of God’s love that begins to change Job’s perspective and the conversation turns toward hope (Job 37:13).
So, while we, like Job, long for hope in the midst of suffering, hope is unattainable without a focus on God’s love and our trust that He is in control.
God’s love is the ultimate source of hope.
Loved to Love
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” (John 15:9)
Some people are easy to love—my nephew and niece, for example.
Having a forty-pound monkey on my back during portions of the family hike was in no way a burden because of the love we share. His sweet, never-ending kisses and the time we can spend reading stories in Spanish are precious moments I treasure.
My niece is growing and learning to laugh. Her smiles are infectious and every little thing she does is a delight.
God is not burdened when we place things on His shoulders because of His tremendous love for us. He longs to remind us that we are a part of His eternal love story.
And just as we rejoice in the new things my niece discovers, never tiring of her smiles and snuggles, God never wavers in His infinite love for us.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Love defines us as God’s disciples.
The more we dwell in His love, the easier it is to extend that love to others.
Not only are you a beloved child of God, but so are His other disciples.
How can you show your Christian sister God’s love for her today? Take a moment to share God’s love story and delight in what God is doing in your lives.
