“But the mountain falls and crumbles away, and the rock is removed from its place; the waters wear away the stones; the torrents wash away the soil of the earth; so you destroy the hope of man.” (Job 14:18–19, ESV)
Job's hope was at its low ebb. Through his trials, in his despair, every expectation of good was displaced. He felt like a mountain crumbling away. Or like a stone pummeled by the waters until it became nothing. Hope eroded, worn down. Desperation filled his heart.
He prayed, "You destroy the hope of man." To him, God was the one who'd crushed his every dream of good. Satisfaction would never come. Life is only pain. Job believed God had brought him to such belief.
Of course, God was working and sustaining his man, preparing the green pastures and tablelands for his future. But, in the moment, Job felt worn down, worn by the incessant pains of life.
Perhaps you've had similar moments, times where you felt like an eroding mountain or a worn-out stone. Where pieces of you are falling off and the unstoppable forces of life are breaking you down. Your brain might tell you you're no Job, that life isn't all that hard, but your feelings are telling you you're tired. Life has worn you out and ground you down. What are we to do in moments like these?
First, remember how God recorded Job's pain. He put Job's thoughts and prayers, even his doubts and accusations against God, in his book. Job's complaints became scripture. God stores our tears in his bottle. He knows our pains.
Second, remember the incarnation. No other deity can claim to know our pain. But our God became flesh and lived with us. He experienced pain and testing. Jesus endured pain and suffering for us. He knew what it was like to have a broken heart.
Third, remember the new definition of hope. Jesus Christ is our hope. This means every moment of agony is a chance to look to the new world order he will establish. We expect God to work today, and we want to live out his kingdom ethic right now, but we also look forward to the hope he will make all things new.
Fourth, remember he is walking with you through the pain. He stood with Daniel's friends when in the fire. And when you pass through the fires and waters, he stands with you. He is with us always, helping us endure, especially in all we do for his mission while on earth. The pain is an opportunity to know him differently.
Fifth, remember the glorious future he is preparing for you. He is walking you through the valley of the shadow of death so he can bring you to the tablelands. He has gone before you. He has prepared, in this life or the next, a place of rest for you.
Yes, life wears us down. It grinds at us. But rather than lose hope, God gives us hope. He is faithful.
