But evil does not spring from the soil,
    and trouble does not sprout from the earth.
People are born for trouble
    as readily as sparks fly up from a fire.
 “If I were you, I would go to God
    and present my case to him.

Job 5:6-8

For Meditation

“If I were you…”

Well, that is why you are not me, my friend. So, don’t presume on my guilt, you of limited knowledge. Why don’t you be quiet if you don’t have anything helpful to say about my situation? Why don’t you leave me to the Lord, the Righteous Judge, who alone knows my suffering and the purpose of it. Why impugn my innocence with your careless words? Why assume my guilt?

I am so glad that the Lord is my judge, and not you. I am so blessed to have a Savior who understands my pain and suffering – a Great High Priest who can empathize with me because He has suffered it all. Christ alone can feel my pain, for all He went through on earth. They pronounced Him guilty, when He was not. They said all manner of things about Him who knew no sin, but mine. Yet, like a sheep before it’s shearers, He did not open His mouth (Isa. 53:7). He committed Himself to the Father, and bore our pain and shame until glory dawned on Him.

Christ has become my example, therefore, I will imitate Him. I will not honor your disdainful words, my friend. Rather, I will commit myself to God in Christ and allow Him to carry me through this crucible. My vindication will soon come, for Christ will not abandon me to your insensitive rumblings. He will lift me out of the pit of despair and set my feet upon the Rock. He will put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to my God (Ps. 40:1-2). Then you will know how good God is. Maybe, then, you will speak more accurately. Maybe, His rebuke will set you right before Him.

But as for me, I forgive you, my friend. How can I hold you in my heart after all that Christ, my Redeemer, has done for me? How can I imprison myself for your ignorance?

I will sing to the One who alone knows me through and through. I will lift my eyes to Him who is seated on the right hand of God in majesty (Col. 3:1-2), and fill my mind with things that edify (Phil. 4:8). I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise will always fill my mouth (Ps. 34:1-2)

So, sing with me, you who are afflicted and misunderstood. You who are down trodden and have become the scum of the world for Christ’s name sake; join me in celebrating His goodness. The day will dawn soon, and the darkness will roll away like a scroll at His appearing in your situation. He will turn your mourning into joyful dancing; your sackcloth, for a garment of praise (Ps. 30:11).

To Christ alone be glory and honor, even now and forever. Amen!

Shalom