I know that my redeemer lives…Job 19:25.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of the light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:8, 9, 10, 14.

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6. 

Reading our chapter, Job 19, I couldn’t help but see today. We seek to impose our will on others and feel it our duty to correct harshly as though we have all truth. We think our way is the only way and we cause great harm. Job’s friends have done that to Job in their zeal for their “truth” whether he can stand it or not. And Job’s response? How long will you torment me and crush me with words?…If it is true that I have gone astray, my error remains my concern alone…v. 2, 4. And then Job cries out in anger words I can imagine God has heard throughout all our generations over and over when we are in pain and angry. Though I cry, “Violence!” I get no response; though I call for help, there is no justice…His anger burns against me; he counts me among his enemies…I am nothing but skin and bones; I have escaped only by the skin of my teeth…v. 7, 11, 20. And then the words Job will one day be surprised to find recorded: Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever! v. 23, 24. And yet, even in his despair and anger, Job, who thinks God Himself is the cause of his troubles, says: I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes – I, and not another; How my heart yearns within me! v. 25-27. 

In the midst of sore trials it’s hard to see any light or hope. When things are going well it’s hard to see the goodness of God everywhere and ascribe that goodness to God and not to ourselves. There is light in God’s truth in Love so beautiful we will all of us be awakened by it. Job’s heart yearned within him for God’s light to dispel the darkness of pain surrounding him. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2. When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12. The light of life. We walk with darkness surrounding us but God’s light is here. Ask. The light of His Love will illuminate your heart and mind and you will know peace only God can give. It is His light, not yours or mine, that we need. He’s here. Always. Take His hand. He loves you. He will teach you.