Unhappy Birthday?
Opening Prayer
Loving God, help me know Your ability and Your grace today—despite what may have happened to me in my past.
Read JOB 3:1-26
[1] After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. [2] He said: [3] “May the day of my birth perish, and the night that said, ‘A boy is conceived!’ [4] That day-may it turn to darkness; may God above not care about it; may no light shine on it. [5] May gloom and utter darkness claim it once more; may a cloud settle over it; may blackness overwhelm it. [6] That night-may thick darkness seize it; may it not be included among the days of the year nor be entered in any of the months. [7] May that night be barren; may no shout of joy be heard in it. [8] May those who curse days curse that day, those who are ready to rouse Leviathan. [9] May its morning stars become dark; may it wait for daylight in vain and not see the first rays of dawn, [10] for it did not shut the doors of the womb on me to hide trouble from my eyes. [11] “Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb? [12] Why were there knees to receive me and breasts that I might be nursed? [13] For now I would be lying down in peace; I would be asleep and at rest [14] with kings and rulers of the earth, who built for themselves places now lying in ruins, [15] with princes who had gold, who filled their houses with silver. [16] Or why was I not hidden away in the ground like a stillborn child, like an infant who never saw the light of day? [17] There the wicked cease from turmoil, and there the weary are at rest. [18] Captives also enjoy their ease; they no longer hear the slave driver’s shout. [19] The small and the great are there, and the slaves are freed from their owners. [20] “Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, [21] to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure, [22] who are filled with gladness and rejoice when they reach the grave? [23] Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in? [24] For sighing has become my daily food; my groans pour out like water. [25] What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. [26] I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What is Job's sad wish in the face of his suffering?This is a very poignant and helpful passage for me to think about with you today. I was born on June 1, 1946. Now I know that God was working for me—even behind the scenes (Job 2:1-6; Psa. 139:13-16). The surgeon who delivered me was not at his best. Drink was his problem. Brain damage is now mine. I live my life in a wheelchair. I have poor coordination. Everyday tasks are a struggle.
I need much help, but my problems are nothing compared to Job’s. Like him, my life has been enriched by God. I know you may have a greater disability than mine or a problem that seems intractable. As with Job, God will redeem your life, but there may be some pain in the process.
Is Job wallowing in his problems here? He could be. He is human, like you and me. It’s okay to moan sometimes. Job curses the day of his birth (1-10), but he does not curse God. Rather, he is honest with him. It’s always good for you and me to be like that. Would we condemn people for speaking like Job (11-16,20)? God doesn’t.
Apply
Bring to God now, with all honesty, any complaint or lament that is on your heart or mind.
Closing prayer
Good Lord, I praise You for the gift of my birth and Your loving care every day since then.
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