“Job” Moments
I am afflicted very much;
Revive me, O LORD, according to Your word
Psalm 119:107
TAKING IT IN
And now my soul is poured out because of my plight; the days of affliction take hold of me.
Job 30:16
Job was not a stranger to affliction and neither are we. We all have our “Job” moments and when the days of affliction come, the pages of his story brings comfort to our hearts.
Why?
Because in the midst of his suffering; Job came to know God in a deep, profound and very personal way. As He sought God for answers to his suffering, somehow the answers were no longer important; the revelation of God Himself silenced his doubting mind.
Job’s moment is powerful —
I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees YOU.
Job 42:5
Is revival possible in the midst of suffering — Job’s moment teaches us it is possible, if we abandon our doubts about God and seek to know Him in the thick of the trial.
MAKING IT MEANINGFUL
The Hebrew word “anah” reveals that the primary meaning of affliction is “to be bowed down” or to “lower” or “humble”. In the Hebrew language as many as eleven words can be translated affection affliction and they point to the state of being pained or distressed by oppressors. When we find ourselves in these very “low” places we recognize our desperate need for God – and if we can experience a “Job” moment as we seek God in His Word – it causes our souls to rise above the thought of our present distress.
The Word revives us with a sense of His love and revives us with our hope of glory. The promise of deliverance is always set before us causing us to test the promises of God in a way where we recognize if God does not deliver, I will die!!!
Consider what Psalm 119 highlights for us as it relates to affliction:
- Affliction pushes us into God’s Word (verse 50)
- Affliction pulls us back on the path (verse 67)
- Affliction chisels God’s plan into our lives (verse 71)
- Affliction teaches us that God is faithful (verse 75)
- Affliction keeps us focused on our Teacher (verse 92)
- Affliction brings God to our doorstep (verse 153)
Is there great purpose in our “afflictions”? Absolutely!
One commentator made the point that in the season of affliction our corruptions are purged, our faith is tried, our patience is perfected, the brethren are edified and our Master is glorified.
Working it into My Heart
Affliction is “personal” and no two are the same. Though we can relate to Job’s moment, our pain or the trials we suffer are unique to the plan God has for our lives. We may certainly believe that no one could understand what it is we are going through but our GOD is the same!!! He is no respecter of persons and His desire for you and me is to reveal Himself to us in the fire. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego found him in the fire and He was there for Daniel in the lion’s den! He will certainly be with you in the midst of your “Job” moment.
How are we revived according to the Word in our season of affliction?
We are reminded of four important truths:
- Our moment is only temporary — 2 Corinthians 4:17
- The Lord delivers us from them all – Psalm 34:19
- We can find joy in our affliction – James 1:2-3
- God’s love is unfailing – Lamentations 3:32
Seek God in your “low” moment and “look up”! The “revival” He desires to bring you will cause you to rise above it!