Job 3:26

In verse 26 he speaks of a fresh avalanche of trouble before real relief from the former anguish had been given. Our version seems to refer this to Job's condition of former prosperity: that he was not living in worldly ease, but walking in the fear of God, when trouble came. This does fit Job's state of soul as it comes out later. Even so, it seems a little too early to find him defending himself here. It seems more likely to be his grief at the repeated attacks of misery he is now suffering.

In verse 25 Job records that the thing he feared so much had come upon him. Such a thing often happens. He had not been feeling secure and confident of continuing in constant prosperity... Sometimes people are terrified that they might catch a certain disease, and that disease overtakes them. Why? Is it not because God is showing them that His grace is enough for them even in the most dreaded circumstances? So Job was not at ease, not quiet; he had no rest, yet trouble came. He needed to learn the heart of God as he did not know it.

The inbreaks of Job's sorrows on him were proofs of God's love to him, and of the jealousy of that love too; for Job had enjoyed the gifts more than the Giver... Job did look up. But his own mind was at work within. Instead of waiting for God to come in and explain everything, Job showed what Job was, and so prolonged the furnace and the trial. But God did come in, and Job learned... I judge that the great thing is to acknowledge God, and be still: "I am mute... for it is you who have done it," said David... There is rest in this — giving to God His own place.

But the depths of Job's heart were not yet reached, and to do this was the purpose of God, whatever Satan's thoughts may have been. Job did not know himself, and up to this time, with all his piety, he had never been in the presence of God. How often it is the case that even throughout a long life of piety the conscience has never been really set before God! So peace, such peace as cannot be shaken, and real liberty, are not known as yet.

Discipline may have the effect of making us feel that death is preferable to life, but it is working out God's purpose.

Job could not put a finger on a spot that was not a running sore. And the believer, sooner or later, must find that there is not a spot in his old self in which he can rest. It is one thing to talk about it. It is another thing to find that all I am of the first Adam is withered and dead before God. When this is learned, it is a great blessing to learn also the bright resurrection side of sorrowing Job.