Is prayer always just formulaic, or is there room for unfiltered honesty with God? Let’s look at Job 10.
How did Job complain bitterly to God about his suffering? Can life’s last great lesson, old age, bring similar questions in the midst of pain and loneliness?
I am sick of life! And from my deep despair, I complain to you, my God. Don't just condemn me! Point out my sin. Why do you take such delight in destroying those you created and in smiling on sinners? (Job 10:1-3 CEV)
Does Job proclaim his helplessness to avoid God’s might, yet still claim his innocence?
Have you eyes of flesh? Do you see as man sees? Are your days as the days of man, or your years as a man's years, that you seek out my iniquity and search for my sin, although you know that I am not guilty, and there is none to deliver out of your hand? (Job 10:4-7 ESV)
Did Job believe that his Maker was directly responsible for his suffering?
Your hands shaped me and formed me. Will You now turn and destroy me? Please remember that You formed me like clay. Will You now return me to dust? Did You not pour me out like milk and curdle me like cheese? You clothed me with skin and flesh, and wove me together with bones and tendons. You gave me life and faithful love, and Your care has guarded my life. (Job 10:8-12 HCSB)
Did Job lament God who only seems to hunt for his sins like lions?
But you’ve hidden these things in your heart—I know this was your purpose: If I sin, you watch me and won’t acquit me for my iniquity. “‘Woe to me if I’m guilty! If I’m innocent, I cannot lift my head, because I am filled with disgrace. Look at my affliction! But if I do lift up my head, you will hunt me like a lion! You will perform miracles in order to fight against me. “‘You have brought new witnesses against me, you’re even more angry with me—you’ve brought fresh troops to attack me! (Job 10:13-17 ISV)
Does Job lament being born, wishing he’d died at birth, only desiring a little comfort before the darkness of the grave?
Wherefore then hast thou brought me forth out of the womb? Oh that I had given up the ghost, and no eye had seen me! I should have been as though I had not been; I should have been carried from the womb to the grave. Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little, Before I go whence I shall not return, even to the land of darkness and the shadow of death; A land of darkness, as darkness itself; and of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness. (Job 10:18-22 KJV)
Though Jesus never once commands Sabbath observance, does He command us to find true rest in Him?
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 LSB)
Is prayer always just formulaic, or is there room for unfiltered honesty with God? You decide!
