In this chapter, Job has lost all hope and asks the Lord to defend his innocence. Here’s the chapter in its entirety: “My spirit is crushed, and I am near death. The grave is ready to receive me. I am surrounded by mockers. I watch how bitterly they taunt me.
“You must defend my innocence, O God, since no one else will stand up for me. You have closed their minds to understanding, but do not let them triumph. They denounce their companions for their own advantage, so let their children faint with hunger.
“God has made a mockery of me among the people; they spit in my face. My eyes are dim with weeping, and I am but a shadow of my former self. The upright are astonished when they see me. The righteous will move onward and forward, and those with pure hearts will become stronger and stronger.
“As for all of you, come back and try again! But I will not find a wise man among you. My days are over. My hopes have disappeared. My heart’s desires are broken. They say that night is day and day is night; how they pervert the truth! I might go to the grave and make my bed in darkness. And I might call the grave my father, and the worm my mother and my sister. But where then is my hope? Can anyone find it? No, my hope will go down with me to the grave. We will rest together in the dust!” (Job 17) (Wow…Job is feeling helpless.)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! You are our hope! Help us believe that if we are breathing, you are still working in our favor. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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