If we look at life as being a journey that happens under the grace and provision of a loving God who provided a personal Saviour and a sustaining Holy Spirit, we can view pain and difficulty as a learning experience or as course correction.

Today many atheists use Job as an example of Christianity’s supposedly irrational defence of the existence of God in the face of suffering and evil.“Look,” they say, “Job has suffered excruciating loss and pain, and all God can do is point out that he sends snow and he was able to make some animals!”

Only now does the Lord begin to weave together the loose strands in this book. Of the absolute highest significance is the fact that God controls “Leviathan” (v. 1). Although English translations differ, the word symbolically refers to a great demon/god/power.[1] This being cannot be controlled by humans; it is too powerful to be subdued by the human race.

Job has been making judgments with partial data and limited understanding. Here in the climax Job realizes he has spoken about things that simply transcend his ability to understand (v 3).

Even though Job is not given all the “answers” he does see the living God, which is more than enough for him.

Needs surround us. Needs invade us. They can overwhelm us, or they can motivate us to take action. Those with eyes to see perceive not only their own needs, but also those of other needy people around them.

No one enjoys hanging out with the wrong crowd, whatever crowd that may be. Different people do not mix easily, even when occupying the same space.

No one would choose a tax collector to befriend the Jewish populace.

The thing I love most about the Psalmist, David, is his authenticity, passion, and complete honesty. He doesn’t pull any punches where asking God to avenge him by casting all of his enemies into the miry pit are concerned! Maybe my love for David is because I resonate with him.