April 2, 2024

How do I hope when I feel like my hope is lost?

Job 17

Rebekah Banks
Tuesday's Devo

April 2, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

April 2, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

April 2, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

April 2, 2024

Big Book Idea

God is at work even when we can't see it.

Key Verse | Job 17:1

My spirit is broken; my days are extinct;
the graveyard is ready for me.

Job 17

Job Continues: Where Then Is My Hope?

1  My spirit is broken; my days are extinct;
    the graveyard is ready for me.
2  Surely there are mockers about me,
    and my eye dwells on their provocation.

3  Lay down a pledge for me with you;
    who is there who will put up security for me?
4  Since you have closed their hearts to understanding,
    therefore you will not let them triumph.
5  He who informs against his friends to get a share of their property—
    the eyes of his children will fail.

6  He has made me a byword of the peoples,
    and I am one before whom men spit.
7  My eye has grown dim from vexation,
    and all my members are like a shadow.
8  The upright are appalled at this,
    and the innocent stirs himself up against the godless.
9  Yet the righteous holds to his way,
    and he who has clean hands grows stronger and stronger.
10  But you, come on again, all of you,
    and I shall not find a wise man among you.
11  My days are past; my plans are broken off,
    the desires of my heart.
12  They make night into day:
    ‘The light,’ they say, ‘is near to the darkness.’ 1 17:12 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain
13  If I hope for Sheol as my house,
    if I make my bed in darkness,
14  if I say to the pit, ‘You are my father,’
    and to the worm, ‘My mother,’ or ‘My sister,’
15  where then is my hope?
    Who will see my hope?
16  Will it go down to the bars of Sheol?
    Shall we descend together into the dust?” 2 17:16 Or Will they go down to the bars of Sheol? Is rest to be found together in the dust?

Footnotes

[1] 17:12 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain
[2] 17:16 Or Will they go down to the bars of Sheol? Is rest to be found together in the dust?
Table of Contents
Introduction to Job

Introduction to Job

Timeline

Author and Date

The unknown Israelite author of this book presents Job as a person living in Uz (see note on 1:1). Job’s godliness (1:1) matches the ideals of Israelite wisdom literature. He clearly knows Yahweh (1:21). The events of the book seem to be set in the times of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob).

Theological Themes

The book of Job concerns itself with the question of faith in a sovereign God. Can God be trusted? Is he good and just in his rule of the world? The book shows that the reasons for human suffering often remain a secret to human beings.

In the book of Job, God seems both too close and too far away. On the one hand, Job complains that God is watching him every moment so that he cannot even swallow his spit (7:19). On the other hand, Job finds God elusive (9:11). Though God is greatly concerned about humans, he does not always answer their most agonizing questions.

At the same time, Job’s friends offer no real help. They come to “comfort” him (2:11), but Job ends up declaring them “miserable comforters” who would console him “with empty nothings” (21:34). These friends represent an oversimplified view of faith. They think that all human troubles are divine punishments for wrongdoing. Their “comfort” consists largely of urging Job to identify his sin and repent of it. These friends are negative examples of how to comfort those who are suffering.

The book illustrates that one does not need to fully understand God’s will in order to be faithful while suffering. Those who suffer need not be afraid to express to God their confusion and questions.

Purpose

The book of Job was written to those who struggle with the question of how God can be good when the world is filled with suffering.

The author does not provide a formal defense of God’s justice. Rather, as Job’s friends offer their inadequate answers, the author shows how their reasoning fails. Then, in chs. 38–41, the Lord speaks in his own defense, bringing Job to fuller understanding (ch. 42).

Even during his suffering and confusion, before God finally speaks, Job can triumphantly declare, “I know that my Redeemer lives” (19:25).

Outline

  1. Prologue: Job’s Character and the Circumstances of His Test (1:1–2:13)
  2. Dialogue: Job, His Suffering, and His Standing before God (3:1–42:6)
    1. Job: despair for the day of his birth (3:1–26)
    2. The friends and Job: can Job be right before God? (4:1–25:6)
      1. First cycle (4:1–14:22)
      2. Second cycle (15:1–21:34)
      3. Third cycle (22:1–25:6)
    3. Job: the power of God, place of wisdom, and path of integrity (26:1–31:40)
    4. Elihu: suffering as a discipline (32:1–37:24)
    5. Challenge: the Lord answers Job (38:1–42:6)
  3. Epilogue: The Vindication, Intercession, and Restoration of Job (42:7–17)
The Global Message of Job

The Global Message of Job

Universal Questions

With its story of one man’s life and suffering, the book of Job raises universal questions. Why do people suffer, especially godly people? Where is God in suffering? Can God be trusted amid suffering? Job’s friends try to answer such questions with superficial and simplistic solutions, eventually earning God’s rebuke (Job 42:7–9).

Ultimately we learn from Job that we can hope steadfastly in our sovereign God. Instead of providing easy answers to hard questions, this incomparably glorious, all-knowing, and almighty God presents to people in all places and in all times the simplest, most powerful, and most universal answer to these questions. God’s answer to human suffering has everything to do with his own infinite goodness and care for his creation.

Suffering in a Fallen World

In the life of Job we see the breadth and depth of human suffering. We see suffering in health (Job 2:7), suffering in the loss of property (1:14–17), and suffering in the tragic death of family members (1:18–19). In Job we also listen in on a discussion in the heavenly courtroom between God and Satan (1:6–12; 2:1–7), in which God delights in the upright life of Job. There we are given a window into the normally invisible reasons for our trials and suffering.

Sin and suffering. Suffering is universal, though the kind of suffering differs from circumstance to circumstance. Sometimes we suffer because of our own sin. There is no such thing as sin without consequences. Sometimes God himself directly chastises his people for their sins. However, Job’s friends are wrong to assume that his suffering is a direct result of disobedience (Job 8:4), and it would likewise be wrong to conclude that all or even most suffering in the world today is divine punishment for specific sins. The speeches of Eliphaz (chs. 4; 5; 15; 22), Bildad (chs. 8; 18; 25), and Zophar (chs. 11; 20) reflect such wrong assumptions.

Common suffering. Another type of suffering is what we might call “common suffering.” This is suffering that affects all people without distinction. It is simply the result of living in a fallen world. It includes health problems from colds to cancer. It includes bad weather, earthquakes, and typhoons. It includes financial struggles, and even death itself. Each tragic incident in Job’s life includes an element of this common suffering.

Godliness and suffering. Not only are godly people afflicted with suffering just as others are, but the godly experience some kinds of suffering due specifically to their godliness (Matt. 10:24–33; Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 3:12). Faithfulness to Christ will bring insult and at times persecution—suffering that could be avoided if we were not disciples of Christ. We see this principle in Job, for it was precisely Job’s uprightness that prompted God to single him out to Satan and then led Satan to seek to afflict him (Job 1:8–12).

Devastating suffering. Job’s suffering is uniquely profound and painful. Some suffering, we learn, defies any category. We discover in Job that Satan has a hand in some of the suffering of God’s people (Job 1:6–12; 2:1–7; compare 2 Cor. 12:1–10). But even such demonically instigated suffering is not outside of God’s sovereignty. Nor should our focus be on Satan when we suffer but rather on persisting in steadfast faith amid such God-ordained pain. At the very least a lesson to be learned from Job is that our vision and insight into suffering is severely limited. What is not limited, however, is God’s perfect understanding and sovereign control over every event in our lives. In the “Yahweh speeches” of Job (chs. 38–41), God does not engage Job in the details of his questions and complaints. Rather, God reminds Job that God is God and Job is not. God laid the foundation of the earth (38:4); he is God over the seas (38:8, 16), over the stars (38:31–33), and over every creature (39:1–30; 40:15–41:34).

A Global Message of Comfort and Hope

The almighty, all-good God. Despite its focus on challenges and sufferings, the book of Job speaks a message of great hope to the world. We live in a world longing for comfort and hope, and such hope is found in the sovereign God who sees, who is good, and who is faithful. We are not victims of random fate or uncontrolled circumstances. We are loved faithfully and passionately by a sovereign God who works all things for our good (Rom. 8:28). The suffering global church can take comfort amid suffering, knowing that God is pleased with our faithfulness to him, even as God expressed delight in “my servant Job” (Job 1:6–8; 2:3). James 5:11 reminds us that God will fulfill his good purposes and is indeed compassionate and merciful toward his people.

No neat formulas. Living an upright life of faith in God does not exempt us from suffering. This was the fundamental misunderstanding of Job’s friends (Job 8:6) and the reason that their “comfort” was so “miserable” (16:2). Indeed, in Job and in all of Scripture we see that suffering is a part of the experience of godly people, and that suffering is also a means for our sanctification. Suffering is a blessing as through it we learn that God’s ways and purposes are much greater than we can know (chs. 40–41). His purposes and faithfulness are much greater than the achievement of ease and a comfortable life; the global church must not make an idol out of worldly comfort and earthly abundance.

The sufferings of the Savior. Job confessed faith in the living Redeemer (Job 19:25). That Redeemer would one day come and suffer for us on a cross. Here we have yet another kind of suffering, the atoning sufferings of Christ. He suffered for our salvation, bearing the penalty for our sin. It is also our great privilege to share in his suffering (2 Cor. 1:5; 2 Tim. 1:8; 2:3; 1 Pet. 4:13). These are not the sufferings of health problems or bad weather or the consequences of our own folly. These are sufferings that flow from our union with and loyalty to Christ. There is a global attack on the righteous, but God will continue to provide sufficient grace to his people (2 Cor. 12:9).He will grow both his people and his kingdom through such suffering as it is endured in faith.

Our Intercession and Mission of Hope

Though God’s righteous anger burned against the three friends of Job, their folly was forgiven in response to the righteous intervention of Job’s prayers (Job 42:7–9). What then is the Christian response to those who suffer—and to those who cause suffering?

We are to intercede for the world, both in prayer and in life. We are to “comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Cor. 1:4). This comfort must find expression in our ministry and service to those in need both where we live as well as around the world—to orphans, widows, and all those who suffer.

This comfort is most gloriously and eternally known as the church ministers the gospel of new hope in Christ to the world—to the lost, to the downtrodden, and even to our enemies (Matt. 5:44). For the greatest suffering in this world is not the loss of property or even family; it is to be lost in sin, without the living Redeemer.

Job Fact #9: Proverbs in Job

Fact: Proverbs in Job

Proverbs in Job. In 17:5, Job may have been quoting a proverb to warn his friends not to make false accusations against him. Proverbs are an effective and memorable way of stating a truth. The book of Proverbs is a rich resource of such wisdom.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Job Fact #1: Comfort

Fact: Comfort

Comfort is a key word in the book of Job. When faced with personal tragedies, Job receives no comfort from his friends (16:2). But when God answers him (see chs. 38–41), he finds the comfort he needs.

Job Fact #7: Three cycles of conversations

Fact: Three cycles of conversations

The book of Job includes three cycles of conversations in which the friends of Job offer their comfort and advice, and then listen as Job responds. The first cycle covers chs. 4–14.

Job Fact #15: Elihu

Fact: Elihu

Elihu is the only character in the book of Job with a Hebrew name.

Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar

Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar

After the Lord allowed Satan to afflict Job, three of his friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, came to comfort him. However, all three wrongly assumed that Job’s suffering was the result of some hidden sin. Each man urged Job to repent so that God would have mercy on him. But Job insisted that he was innocent. Although it is true that some suffering is a result of sin, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar oversimplified this truth. They believed that all troubles are punishments for wrongdoing, which was not the case for Job. The wrong actions of Job’s three friends should remind believers today to be wise and sensitive when dealing with people in distress. The Lord rebuked Job’s three friends and instructed Job to pray for them. (Job 42:7–9)

Study Notes

Job 17:5 Since vv. 1–4 are likely addressed to God, in v. 5 Job may be asking God to remember what his friends have done, or he may be warning the friends of the consequences of such actions, or both. Verse 5 may be quoting a proverb of the day, similar to other warnings in the OT against being a false witness (see Deut. 19:18–19; Prov. 19:5).

Job Fact #9: Proverbs in Job

Fact: Proverbs in Job

Proverbs in Job. In 17:5, Job may have been quoting a proverb to warn his friends not to make false accusations against him. Proverbs are an effective and memorable way of stating a truth. The book of Proverbs is a rich resource of such wisdom.

Study Notes

Job 17:7 all my members. Job’s entire body is exhausted from grief and pain. Compare 16:7–16.

Study Notes

Job 16:1–17:16 Job responds again. He begins by pointing out that his friends have failed as comforters (16:2–5), even though comfort was their original purpose for coming to him (see 2:11). He then describes the seeming paradox of his situation: God is the one who has brought this suffering upon him, and although others take this as a sign of divine judgment, Job trusts that God will vindicate him (16:6–17:9). The friends’ condemnation of Job leaves death as his only hope, but to long for death is to give up any possibility of vindication and thus is no hope at all (17:10–16).

Job 17:10–16 In both lines of v. 12, Job appears to refer to the viewpoint of his friends. They have said that if Job would simply repent, God will restore him and turn his night into day (see 5:17–27; 8:5–7; 11:13–20). However, Job argues that accepting that way of thinking would be to make his bed in darkness (17:13). It would mean denying that God is both sovereign and just (and thus knows the truth). Job continues to hope (v. 15) that God will vindicate him.

S3:063 Job 17

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Dive Deeper | Job 17

How do I hope when I feel like my hope is lost?
 
A good first step toward hope is identifying whether you are crushed in spirit. Ignoring hard or "negative" emotions that God has allowed us to face can cause us to miss out on an opportunity to rely on the Lord to help us through suffering instead of negating it. Psalm 23:4 says that even as we walk through (not skip over) a valley, the Lord is with us. Even in the valleys, God is sovereign and active. Job 17:1 shows us that Job was very aware of his broken spirit. However, we can't stop simply at awareness— we must move forward by asking, "Where is my hope?" (Job 17:15) 
 
To answer this question, we must look toward God's Word. As believers, it is how we will see truth and be reminded that our hope is in Jesus Christ. So, when we feel far from God in the midst of suffering and hardship, we can remember that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, not suffering or even death (Romans 8:35-39). In the case of Job, it is ultimately his reliance upon God that causes Job to be vindicated and equips Job to endure sorrow.
 
Additionally, God has provided His people as a "built-in community" and a way to help us in times of need. We see in Scripture the importance of mourning with those who mourn and bearing one another's burdens. Job's friends may have mourned at the beginning, but unfortunately they then jump to conclusions concerning Job's character and the reasons behind his suffering. Thankfully, the good news of Spirit-filled friends is that they have the Helper to provide wisdom and encouragement, so they don't have to rely on their own "wisdom" or understanding. So when you forget where your hope is, reach out to your community, ask for prayer, and seek wisdom from God's Word. As we endure trials, suffering, and even face death, we can be sure that our hope comes from the Lord (Romans 15:13).

This month's memory verse

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

– Galatians 5:22-23

Discussion Questions

1. What are ways you have addressed or can address your emotions biblically (specifically feelings of hopelessness)?

2. What Scripture reminds you of the hope you have in Jesus? I encourage you to memorize it if you haven't already. 

3. What would it or does it look like for you to bear the burdens of someone in your community group? How do you comfort someone who is mourning?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

GJ

greg jones

Good morning Rebekah! Thank you so much for for the work you do in delivering JTJ. “Thankfully, the good news of Spirit-filled friends is that they have the Helper to provide wisdom and encouragement, so they don't have to rely on their own "wisdom" or understanding.” I hear you. We certainly need those kinds of people in our lives. But sometimes…at least at the church I hang around in…I’ve heard some “Spirit-filled” wisdom in the form a Bible verse. They say, “the Bible says, insert verse, it and that makes it true for everyone in every situation everywhere forever.” And I have to think to myself “no I don’t think it does”. Paul explains something close to that point this way by partially quoting Eliphaz talking to Job. Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness” (Job 5:13). 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 So if Paul is quoting Eliphaz speaking to Job as a proof text to qualify his words to the Corinthians the context of the book of Job makes Paul, like Eliohaz, wrong. It’s usually the context of the moment that gives a truth to scripture. Sometimes, like Job, you do have to lean on your own understanding. Imagine actually sitting in on this conversation. But he saves the needy from the sword of their mouth
    and from the hand of the mighty. So the poor have hope,
    and injustice shuts her mouth. “Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves;
    therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he binds up;
    he shatters, but his hands heal. He will deliver you from six troubles;
    in seven no evil shall touch you. In famine he will redeem you from death,
    and in war from the power of the sword. You shall be hidden from the lash of the tongue,
    and shall not fear destruction when it comes. At destruction and famine you shall laugh,
    and shall not fear the beasts of the earth. For you shall be in league with the stones of the field,
    and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with you. You shall know that your tent is at peace,
    and you shall inspect your fold and miss nothing. You shall know also that your offspring shall be many,
    and your descendants as the grass of the earth. You shall come to your grave in ripe old age,
    like a sheaf gathered up in its season. Behold, this we have searched out; it is true.
    Hear, and know it for your good.” Job 5:15-27 I can imagine that kind of speech having a different effect on a lessor man than who Job is portrayed to be. We know Job doesn’t take the bait. Still isitting in on the conversation imagine Job, based on his knowledge and understanding of the situation, then replies to Eliphaz. Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body
    and nourishment to your bones. Then you will win favor and a good name
    in the sight of God and man. (Proverbs 3:5-7 concluding with Proverbs 3:4) Job quoting Proverbs 3:5-6 to Eliphaz would make sense. Eliphaz quoting Proverbs 3:5-6 to Job would not make sense as “Spirit-filled”. At least not in the context of the situation. Wisdom can sometimes be recognizing the difference between your situation and what God’s word is saying in another situation. Love your first paragraph. Thought that was outstanding.
GJ

greg jones

Another way to view hope, or maybe a better way to say it, to sometimes see our need to have a different kind of hope, is to view it from the perspective of Eliphaz and his friends in the last chapter of Job. After the Lord had spoken these words to Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. Now therefore take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves. And my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.” So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did what the Lord had told them, and the Lord accepted Job's prayer. Job 42:7-9 You shall know also that your offspring shall be many, and your descendants as the grass of the earth. You shall come to your grave in ripe old age, like a sheaf gathered up in its season. Behold, this we have searched out; it is true. Hear, and know it for your good.” Eliphaz to Job back in Job 5 The book closes with Job having his fortune restored and living another 140 years. But it’s not because he ever accepts a prophetic word from Eliphaz or his friends (Job 42:10-17). Proverbs 3:5-6 with nuance.
JC

Jason Cromwell

Good Friday (of all days) was one of those days for me. The kind where I left the door open a little after a disappointment, and the enemy busted down the door. After several hours of letting my emotions run wild it was a simple moment that made me realize that these days happen. They are also an overwhelming reminder of what Jesus paid the price for that Holiest of Days. He came and died and rose again, because He knew we would fail and have bad days and never be good enough ourselves. "We are not like the heathen who live without hope." I'm so glad I live on this side of the Empty Tomb.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thanks for your devo, Rebekah, and thanks for what you do for JTJ! Dr. Constable quotes Warren Wiersbe's insightful observation about Job despite his unimaginable pain: "However, at no time did Job ever consider taking his own life or asking someone else to do it for him. Life is a sacred gift from God, and only God can give it and take it away.” This resonated with me after reading an article yesterday about a 28-year-old Dutch woman who is tired of her struggle with depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder. "She recalled her psychiatrist telling her that they had tried everything, that 'there’s nothing more we can do for you. It’s never gonna get any better.'” She has arranged for a doctor to come to her home and end her life in early May. “I’m a little afraid of dying, because it’s the ultimate unknown,” she said. “We don’t really know what’s next—or is there nothing? That’s the scary part.” When people leave God out of the equation, the hopelessness of living in a fallen world is heartbreaking. We are assured that EVERYTHING will be better--eventually-- because Jesus is going to make right everything that's wrong and hurtful. This young lady only thinks the not knowing is scary. It's going to be much, much worse when she is fully conscious the moment after she dies and faces an eternity without Jesus, without hope of her pain ending. I am praying for her.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. The Bible helps me understand God. Through studying God’s Word in the Bible, I can understand what I do, what I don’t do, and what I need to do. 2. As Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Jesus is helpful when there seems to be no help. 3. I schedule time off in my schedule to meet with them or talk with them on the phone. Comforting someone in mourning involves sincerely speaking with them, listening to them, and helping them move forward in positive ways. Rebekah - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make a good point in saying, “we can't stop simply at awareness— we must move forward by asking, "Where is my hope?" (Job 17:15) 
 To answer this question, we must look toward God's Word. As believers, it is how we will see truth and be reminded that our hope is in Jesus Christ”. God’s Word in the Bible is a great resource for everyone.
MS

Michael Scaman

In his suffering Job continues to pick up steam while his friends responses are getting shorter and shorter. King David would sing of many points in a way alined with Job's laments. Ironically the Psalms where that's true also point to the sufferings of Jesus. Several Psalms attributed to David resonate with the themes found in the passages from Job. Here are a few Psalms that correspond to the sentiments expressed: Psalm 22: This Psalm begins with the famous line, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (verse 1), expressing a deep sense of abandonment and suffering, similar to Job's feelings of despair. It also includes themes of mockery and physical torment, which resonate with Job's experiences. Psalm 69: David's plea for deliverance in this Psalm mirrors Job's cry for someone to vouch for him. Verses 19-21 specifically address the theme of betrayal and mockery by others, which aligns with Job's feelings of being mocked and degraded. Psalm 71: This Psalm expresses confidence in God's righteousness and deliverance, despite the psalmist's troubles. Verses 9 and 13 mention the psalmist's enemies whispering together and plotting against him, reflecting Job's sense of being surrounded by mockers and adversaries. Psalm 88: Often referred to as the "dark night of the soul," this Psalm reflects deep despair and a sense of abandonment. The psalmist feels cut off from God and abandoned by friends, which parallels Job's feelings of isolation and despair.