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The Book of Job begins with the profound loss and overwhelming suffering of Job. After seven days of grieving and silence, Job and his friends engage in deep conversations.

Understanding Job's Perspective

In Chapter 3, Job articulates the depth of his pain and sorrow. He laments the day of his birth, expressing the turmoil within his soul. Job's sleepless nights, filled with groans and nightmares, resonate with the emotional anguish many of us have experienced in times of deep despair. It's a raw and honest portrayal of suffering that might make some readers uncomfortable, but the Bible does not shy away from the reality of human emotions.

Job's Friends and Unhelpful Platitudes

In response to Job's anguish, his friends attempt to offer comfort but often fall short (Job 4-14). It's said that "Job's friends were doing a great job until they opened their mouths!" They resort to platitudes, clichés, and well-intentioned but unhelpful remarks.

We, too, can unintentionally hurt those who are struggling with our words. Recognizing the impact of our words is crucial, as Job's friends missed the mark by providing inadequate comfort.

A Distorted View of God

Job and his friends grapple with a distorted understanding of God. Job, in his confusion, questions God's motives, seeing Him as a watchful figure waiting for humanity to stumble. This distorted view of God is a common reaction when facing suffering—we question His love and intentions. Job's perspective reflects the challenge of maintaining a clear understanding of God amid life's storms.

Keeping a Clear View of God

To navigate the storms of suffering, it's essential to maintain a clear view of God. Here are three practical steps to help you remember the truth about God:

Read Bible passages that are clear God's character.

The Bible has clear and unclear passages. A good rule of Bible interpretation is to use clear passages to explain unclear ones. Pick passages or stories from the Bible that encourage you. Here are a few suggestions:

   - Psalm 23

   - 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

   - Revelation 21:1-8

2. Surround yourself with friends who are clear on God.

We all need good friends when we are struggling. Job’s friends caused a lot of harm because they had a warped view of God.

All of us operate on how we understand God. The key is to have friends who are rooted in Scripture. They are clear where Scripture is clear about God’s character. These are the type of people you need when you are suffering. They can remind you who God truly is based on how God has revealed himself in Scripture.

3. Listen to worship music with meaningful lyrics.

Build a playlist on whatever app you use for music. Pay attention to the lyrics of Christian music you listen to. Many times, we like a song because of how it sounds and overlook the lyrics. This is a situation to not overlook the lyrics. You need worship music that reflects a solid understanding of God.

If Only I Had A Mediator

Even in his confusion, Job inadvertently points to the gospel.

33 If only there were someone to mediate between us,

someone to bring us together,

34 someone to remove God’s rod from me,

so that his terror would frighten me no more.

35 Then I would speak up without fear of him,

but as it now stands with me, I cannot (Job 9:33-35 NIV).

Desiring a mediator to plead his case, Job foreshadows the role of Jesus Christ as our mediator. Through Jesus, we can approach God confidently, knowing that His death and resurrection have secured our forgiveness.

TL;DR

In the midst of suffering, strive to keep a clear view of God. Understand that your perspective on God during trials reveals your beliefs about Him. Embrace the gospel truth that Jesus is your mediator, presenting your case before God and securing your forgiveness. Navigating the storms of life requires intentional efforts to maintain clarity and remember who