“Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven,
and he who testifies for me is on high.
My friends scorn me;
my eye pours out tears to God,
that he would argue the case of a man with God,
as a son of man does with his neighbor…
“He has put my brothers far from me,
and those who knew me are wholly estranged from me.
My relatives have failed me,
my close friends have forgotten me.
The guests in my house and my maidservants count me as a stranger;
I have become a foreigner in their eyes.
I call to my servant, but he gives me no answer;
I must plead with him with my mouth for mercy.
My breath is strange to my wife,
and I am a stench to the children of my own mother.
Even young children despise me;
when I rise they talk against me.
All my intimate friends abhor me,
and those whom I loved have turned against me…
I know that my Redeemer lives,
and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
yet in my flesh I shall see God.” Job 16:19-21; 19:13-19,25-26
“I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever…
For me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.” Psalm 73:23-26,28
“If God is for us, who can be against us?.. Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” Romans 8:31,33-34
Job suffered in a myriad of indescribable ways, losing family, possessions, health, and friends. Deep misery and grief drove him to deeper knowledge of his God. Where friends castigated and peppered him with aloof opinions, the Lord heard him with wide mercy, sustaining power, and purpose. In excruciating pain Job knew who was the true witness of his heart, lover of his soul, advocate, and constant companion.
When hopes and bodies fail, we have the Lord. When loved ones are taken or friends abandon us, when circumstances turn sour or threatening, when loneliness, fear, or despair looms, God is on our side. When sins wage war against the flesh, our Advocate prays and defends. He hears our complaint, He translates pleading and tears we bring to hope. He never fails or forsakes His own. (Deuteronomy 31:6; 1 John 2:1)
What causes us to faint? What are our complaints? What pain, dearth, betrayal, or unmet longing can we bring to Jesus? Would we enumerate our difficulties and sorrows against the greatness and grace of the Lord, they would be swallowed up and we would not be consumed. He is our witness before the Father! He ever pleads on our behalf! Indeed, He is our strength and portion forever- ever present, sufficient, good. With whom will we share this good news? (Hebrews 7:25)
Thank You, Lord, for Your abiding friendship and advocacy. May I trust and love and praise You forever.
As the rain and snow 