Job continues to come up with a variety of poetic ways of describing his pain: “Are not mockers with me? And does not my eye dwell on their provocation?” and “I call my servant but he gives no answer…. My breath is offensive to my wife….”

But still, he holds out hope: “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God.”

Today’s psalm is also Job-esque, reminding God of His promise to David’s House: “With whom My hand shall be established; also My arm shall strengthen him…” and contrasting that to the reality of life at that point: “You have renounced the convenant of Your servant; You have profaned his crown by casting it to the ground…”

It finishes with a plea to God: “How long, Lord? Will You hide Yourself forever? Remember how short my time is; for what futility have You created all the children of men?” The Psalm finishes with praise and blessings for God.

Dear God, sometimes it feels like You hide from us, and it is not hard to see why. Our earth is so full of fear and evil. But Dear Father, You have promised to be with us, and to have Your Holy Spirit with us, even to the ends of the days. Thank You for that promise. Please be with us, give us Your Spirit, Your comfort, Your strength and Your love. Please let me seek those things more than any other thing, as these are the real treasures.  Please help us to share Your gifts with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen