Imagine having lived for the Lord to the best of your ability only to feel abandoned by God (though not truly so) due to circumstances which are NOT the consequences of sin. Additionally, self righteous friends offer advice designed to bring guilt rather than edify. Many people have experienced similar situations in times of grief. Job provides a good example of how to respond biblically in such situations.
1. Self examination
Job 6:2-3, 7 “Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together!
For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are1 swallowed up.
The things that my soul refused to touch
are as my sorrowful meat.”
2. Longing for Heaven
V9-10a “Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!
Then should I yet have comfort;”
3. Honest rebuke
V25-29 “How forcible are right words!
but what doth your arguing reprove?
Do ye imagine to reprove words,
and the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind?
Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig a pit for your friend.
Now therefore be content, look upon me;
for it is evident unto you if I lie. Return, I pray you, let it not be iniquity; yea, return again, my righteousness is in it.”
LESSON - To examine one’s self in the light of God‘s word is always a healthy exercise. When people offer opinions in the form of advice, you can weigh their words in the light of that scripture. Once an honest assessment has been done and sin dealt with appropriately, the Holy Spirit can offer encouragement like no other. Thoughts of Heaven will remind us that the problems we will encounter down here are fleeting. Once our hearts and minds are right, we will be in a position to LOVINGLY rebuke others who provide unbiblical advise. In doing so, we will be assisting them to help others and God will be glorified. Problems? Your deliverance is at hand!
~Mike