“…those who long for death…” Job 3:21
/The final section of Job’s lament exposed a pitiful existence for many: “…those who long for death that does not come…”. Those in an extended chapter of suffering know all too well what Job is describing. He begins with a question of why and ends with a declaration about the state of his existence. Here’s how he presented his thoughts:
First, he asked why light is given to those in misery and life to the soul imbittered by suffering (v.20). In other words, to those in suffering, another morning is another day of agony. Someone in this chronic state of affliction look forward to an end to the personal torment. For this reason alone, the Faith-Walker should be quick to sympathize and offer words of consolation and prayers for relief. God will offer relief in His way and in His time.
Job further elaborated on the persistent pain through today’s five understandable words, adding those who identify with his pain search for death more than for hidden treasure. This statement stands in stark contrast with David’s suffering, as David searched the ancient texts for his comfort and strength. David’s son, Solomon, asserted that one should seek understanding, as if seeking hidden treasure (Proverbs 2:3-4). The prophet Isaiah conveyed these words from the God of Heaven: “I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord…” (Isaiah 45:3) Isaiah went on, in what could address Job’s situation, explaining God’s control and purpose for all things in each person’s life. Jesus compared The Kingdom of Heaven to finding hidden treasure in a field (Matthew 13:44). Perhaps, Job’s statement of looking for death as if searching for hidden treasure could reflect one finally reaching Heaven’s gate.
Job asserted that those in perpetual suffering are filled with gladness and rejoice when they reach the grave (v.22). Perhaps they truly are filled with gladness… knowing the joy of seeing God’s face and the relief He offers through death. This line of thinking can lead to very complex issues engaged in contemporary society, which I will not address at this point.
Another question posed in Job’s lament was: “Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in?” (v.23) This question is impossible to answer… except by God Himself (though we will not get to that part of Job’s story for a long time, yet.) Job felt invisible to the world… possibly thinking no-one cared. He vented his frustration through sighing and groaning. The sighs took the place of food (v.24a); an accurate depiction of depression – when people loose weight by lack of appetite. His groans would pour out like water: a steady stream of emptying oneself of life (v.24b). Those who minister to the severely depressed must understand the enemy of hopelessness, and be willing to hear the groans and sighs, for they must be expressed – it is a form of self-soothing on many dimensions.
Job concluded his lament by confessing his one short-coming (and possibly his sin):
“What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.” (vv. 25 – 26)
These are very transparent words. Job admitted that though he prayed for God’s intervention, he did not pray in complete faith. Is this conjecture on my part? I don’t think so. Job echoed his fear in his restatement of his nagging dread… and because of it, he did not have the internal peace that passes understanding; though it would come later.
Life has a way of throwing one in the “heavy-duty” wash cycle, creating a dizzying perspective. Oftentimes, this extended chapter of life can lead one to believe there is no hope for the future. However, with the scientific advances in our time, hope could be just around the corner. As people of The Promise, Christians are especially equipped to share in one’s sorrow and joys. It is necessary for real community to exist. Without those who will share the burden of hurt or suffering, life can become extremely sorrowful and void.
What does Job’s lament teach us today? To allow one to express their hurt, hopelessness, groans and sighs… and to be there to hold them through the pain. To some, that’s the only Jesus they will ever see.
Have a blessed day…