Job 15-16
Despite his pain, Job clings to faith, demonstrating that hope can persist even in life’s toughest times. This post highlights the emotional and physical benefits of hope, encouraging a goal-oriented mindset and a trust in God’s plan.
Summary
At the end of Job 14, Job is telling his friends that they are in no position to judge him. They don’t have all of the facts. They are making assumptions. Eliphaz responds by accusing Job of using empty words. Eliphaz is still convinced that all of Job’s suffering is a result of his own sin, and that Job is lying to them. Based on what they have learned and what they have experienced, Eliphaz believes an evil man suffers pain. Eliphaz insists that no human is truly righteous before God and warns that the wicked live in constant fear and ultimately face destruction.
Job tells his friends that they are awful comforters. If Job was in their shoes, he would speak words of comfort to bring them relief. Job feels abandoned and ridiculed by others. Everything was going so well; then his family was taken away, and he was inflicted with this painful disease. Job prays that a heavenly witness will speak to God on his behalf.
Sidebar
Job is still experiencing intense anguish, and probably some resentment towards God. Yet beneath his sorrow and frustration, there’s a quiet resilience. Even as he feels abandoned and wounded, Job clings to the hope that there is justice, and that relief is possible. His longing for an angel suggests that deep down he hopes God may hear his cries and stop all of the pain.
According to Dictionary.com, hope is “the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.” When researching, I also came across the acronym H.O.P.E. – Hold On Pain Ends. That could not be more fitting for this particular passage in the Bible.
Hope is a very positive emotion and even a motivational tool. Emotional benefits of having hope include improved mental health (lower levels of depression and anxiety), and enhanced resilience. Additionally, a person may have a stronger sense of purpose, a positive outlook in life, improved relationships, and increased motivation. When an individual has hope, they are more optimistic. They are more inclined to pursue their goals even during challenging times.
Positive physical benefits of hope include reduced physical pain, boosted immunity, improved cardiovascular health and respiration, and even enhanced cognitive functions. Think about it, when you are stressed or bogged down with anxiety, it’s harder to concentrate. People who tend to possess hope are more likely to engage in healthier behaviors such as exercising, eating healthily, and meditation. These healthy behaviors also lend to less stress, which we are well aware benefit us physically.
Intention
Give yourself permission to hope. Being hopeful is not wishful thinking or blind optimism, but a positive way of thinking. Hope can be a powerful motivator. Try to think in a goal-oriented way. If you ever feel in despair, set a goal so that you can attempt to look forward to the future. And most of all…remember that God has a plan. There is meaning to what you are going through, so have faith in God and look forward to what’s to come.
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11
