“Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job
14:1).
The Book
of Job is believed to be the first written in the Bible. One would think that
such a book would be full of promises and good things. Instead the key theme is
“trouble.” Some twenty (20) times “trouble” occurs, of the 235 times in all of
Scripture. Perhaps it is a theme of life? Yes it is a thread meandering through
our lives. It is hard and gets harder as we grow older. Now you might say to
stop all the discouragement. I wish I could “say it ain’t true.” Moreover,
hardship also occurs 80 some times. Now this is getting discouraging, but
remember that “peace” occurs 430 times and “joy” about 200. Now let’s not miss
“love” and its synonyms written in some 500 places in the Bible. But for the purposes of this essay I want to
follow the thread of trouble. This is not a negative view of life it just is
life. Oh, yes there are bright sunrises and mountaintops too, but fewer of them
and more of “the valley of the shadow of death.” I will return to the valley concept,
particularly shadows. But for now be encouraged that rivers flow and flowers
grow in valleys.
So, life
gets harder as you get older. This is what I hear in my daily informal survey
with patients in an acute care hospital. Is this the “ain’t it awful” attitude
of life or reality of age speaking? Yes, I hear both, but mostly those speaking
in faith. They say, so what, make lemonade out of it. They say something even
far more important about the valleys. God is in them with us, comforting and
protecting us with His rod and staff as Psalm 23 tells us. This best-known
psalm, written by an aged King David tells us much of what we need to know
about life. It is part of the “Wisdom” literature of the Bible where the word
“wisdom” occurs 220 times. Yes, the Good Shepherd does go with us and supplies
for all of our needs. He fights for us and anoints us and so our cups overflow.
Wow, this is an absolutely great half time or fourth quarter cheer. And it is
also of great comfort at the end saying, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all of the days of your life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever” (Psalm 23:6).
“Is not wisdom
found among the aged? Does not
long life bring understanding?” (Job 12:12). There it is, Job found the promises of God, as
he grew wiser in his troubled life as he aged. He came to understand that, “Though
He slay me, yet I will trust in Him” (Job 13:15). God did cause and allow pain, but
He also redeemed and never left or forsook Job.
I once
served as Chaplain in a continuing care community of some 700 residents over 80
years of age. They struggled and/or soared with aging depending upon their
reference point. Those who majored on the circumstances found sadness and
grumbling their lot. Those who trusted in the Lord and not their own
understanding, as Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, were full of hope as He guided them
through the rapids, valleys and losses of life. “They will still bear fruit in
old age, they will stay fresh
and green” (Psalm 92:14).
“So teach us to
number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Once at a memorial service for
a centenarian woman I heard this verse of how she made the most of her days
praising God in her life of trials. She numbered her days aright or in wisdom,
trusting in God’s promises to never leave or forsake her. Moreover, as the
wisdom writer says, “Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding” (Proverbs 3:13).
Are you
undergoing trials and troubles? Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take
heart! I have overcome the world”
(John 16:33). Troubles and
shadows seem synonyms, but shadows for the Christian are not a problem. Shadows
can’t hurt you. Those trusting in the Lord have eternal life promised even in
and through the shadows of life. This
Christmas time let us turn from the darkness to the magnificent and saving
light of Christ and say, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable
gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15) in
times of trouble.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts.