These chapters continue a monologue that began in Chapter 26 in which Job maintains that he is innocent of the charges his ‘friends’ have levied against him. As we come into Chapter 29, Job recalls happier days “when God watched over me” (29:2, NIV) and he knew God’s favor (29:3-6). Job was respected by all for his commitment to justice and righteousness (29:7-17). He believed he would live out his days with this security and honor (29:18-25). The tone shifts as we enter Chapter 30: “but now…” (30:1) Since these calamities have befallen him, he has become an object of derision for lesser men (30:1-9); those who once gave him honor, now circle to destroy him (30:10-14); the security that Job once lived under has given way to dread (30:15-17). Yet worse than all this for Job is the sense that the God who once blessed him has now become his foe. (30:18-23) Job continues to plead his case at having done right in the sight of God and men by helping those in need (30:24-25), but now he wonders where are those who will come to his aid in his time of need (30:26-29): “when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, then came darkness” (30:26, NIV). Job feels abandoned in his grief (30:30-31).
Abandonment hurts, and all the more when it comes at the hands of those believed to be ‘on our side.’ Betrayal may be expected from people, but what happens when we feel abandoned by God? We are confident that we have been trusting Christ, walking out our Christian life “with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12), yet suddenly we feel utterly alone? There is not an easy answer to this question, but just as Job was kept from understanding, so we also may have to walk through that valley of uncertainty, holding to one firm promise of God, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
Rev. Chad C. Fernald, Trinity, Fla.
