We often turn to Job to try to find definitive answers to the issue of human suffering, but we won't find those answers there. As now I ask, Job had also asked in antiquity: "Why me?" "Why this?" "Why now?" Like the psalmist (Ps. 77:7-8), I also asked God honestly: "Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favourable no more? Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise failed forevermore?"
Job's friends were pouring well meaning advice on him. But does Job need them? When we are face-to-face with suffering, there is no need to try to "tip-toe" around the truth. That will only result in unnecessary tension. Instead, we need not be afraid of silence. In fact, silence can encourage a bonding of hearts with the one who is hurting.
We need to refrain from attempting to explain the inexplicable. When we try to provide answers that only God Himself can give, we am trying to play God. We must guard against crossing over the line to the point of playing God. Only our sovereign and loving God knows the reasons for our suffering. He's the only one who knows His purpose and plan for our lives. We shall then just let God be God. If God can run the universe in such a spectacular way, we can trust His love and wisdom with the inexplicable and puzzling mysteries of life.
I like the words of Job here (19:25-27): "I know that my Redeemer lives and He shall stand at last on earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another." Jesus himself extends this invitation to us: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28).
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