Job

I sigh when food is put before me, and my groans pour out like water. For the thing I feared has overtaken me, and what I dreaded has happened to me. I cannot relax or be still; I have no rest, for trouble comes. Job 3:24-26

I don't know why I didn't think of good old Job earlier. I was going for Psalms (which also has some excellent complaints) when I stumbled across my old buddy. I remember when we studied this book in class. Even then I found myself nodding along with Job and rolling my eyes at his "helpful" friends. Back before I knew what real grief was.

I've been lucky enough not to come across too many people like Job's friends. They can't believe that Job would be left destitute if not for some sin. He must have done something wrong. There has to be an explanation for what happened to him. Sound familiar?

What I love about Job is that he doesn't just sit there in silence before his friends' accusations. He argues back long and loud, "No, I didn't do anything to deserve this! It's not fair, it hurts and I hate it!!!" And in the end God Himself rebukes the friends for their judgment of Job. Sometimes we just have to accept that we can't know the 'Why'.

Job is a guy who knows grief. Sometimes I need to go to blogs to remind myself that I'm not alone. But the Bible also has plenty of examples of people crying out to God from their misery. It's good to know that I need not suffer in silence before God.