Think Before We Speak

O. T. #1120  "Think Before We Speak"
Dec. 21, 2017
Job 3-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

This godly man was at his lowest. He wished to have never been born, then wished he had died at birth. Since that did not happen, Job desired for his light to be extinguished-death to come so he could have relief from pain. Think what he would have missed out on had that happened. He had a wife that stuck with him for years,10 children, wealth, position in the community, and friends.

Remember, Job did not know it was Satan's schemes to attempt to get him to curse God. Grief placed Job at the crossroads of faith. He could choose to give up and curse God, or he could trust God and get his strength to carry on for Him. Trials came in spite of Job's living right. Job had been faithful to worship God instead of his material possessions. There are no guarantees for a happy, perfect life without problems or pain for a Christian. We live in a world of sinners, including us. There will be days when things do not go well. That is just life, huh?

What could improve Job's situation of pain and grief? After all, he had asked 5 times why all this happened to him. God is not obligated to give us answers to our situation.
Friends would be good. Yes, friends could listen to Job in his pain, could offer comfort, would not forsake him like his wife did. Well, we think friends would be just what Job needed to get him through this season of his life, help him endure those tests, give encouragement. (But we will find out soon, with friends like his, who needs them?)

LET IT GROW

When our friend  is struggling, will we bring the light of love to them?
Will we help the hurting to have hope?
Will we aid those in a deep valley to rise with relief?

Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.  Proverbs 27:17
Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.  Proverbs 27:6

For 7 nights Job's friends sat in silence, watching, listening, and forming their opinions. It must have been difficult for them to look at Job covered with sores oozing pus and scabs. Silence can be better than saying the wrong thing and leave regretting it. Before we blow it, our friendship, let us  think before we speak.

Dear ones, God loves us and cares for us. That will never change. No matter how people treat us, we can be sure of that. It never changes, either.

LET IT GO

Work at listening to others.
Think before I speak.