Topic: Never Despair! [Tuesday April 4, 2017]
Text: Job 30:1-14
Key Verse “They abhor me, they flee far from me, and spare not to spit in my face” (Job 30:10).
One of the noblest of human vocations is providing encouragement to others. It is easy to laugh at men’s ideals and pour cold water on their enthusiasm. But, Christians have a duty to encourage one another. Many a time, a word of praise or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Today’s text begins with a melancholy: “But now…”.
This was Job, overwhelmed by sorrow resulting from a sudden fall into horror, into the valley of ridicule and derision from the height of honour and reputation. He was cast down and depressed. It is then clear that the best of saints like Job, have sometimes received the worst of injuries from the devil. Christians should therefore not think it strange when they go through trials because our Master (Jesus) enjoyed no immunity from it (1 Peter 4:12-16). Our duty towards others at such a time of despair is consolation and encouragement. However, in the case of Job, his best friends turned critical against him.
They added to his sorrow and complicated his problems by their miserable counsels! But, like David, he encouraged himself in the Lord and held on to his integrity. Prosperity and honour may fade away but a man of dignity with integrity holding onto Christ will rejoice in the end. Believers are admonished not to put their confidence in prosperity or be carried away by popular applause of men.
Those who cry hosanna today without Christ may tomorrow cry crucify him! You should not be cast down when you face trials or become an object of ridicule because of the gospel. Never give up. “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small” (Proverbs 24:10). Whatever the degree of despair, learn never to submit to failure or to any negative situation.
Thought for the day: When down with nothing, God is up to something.
Bible Reading in one Year: Deuteronomy 4-6
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
