Job 19:25

New International Version 

I know that my redeemer lives,
    and that in the end he will stand on the earth.

For Encouragement

The groans of the afflicted soul—how heart-wrenching! It feels like everyone has deserted you—even God. It is a lonely place to be, a position where no one remembers the good you did for them. They only see your suffering and draw the curtain on you. They are so pathetic because they do not have the mind of God, though they presume so in their worldly wisdom. Job best expresses this position in chapter nineteen of the book that bears his name. 

His three friends did not understand what was going on with him. Their presumptuous words pierced like sharp swords — cruel and unrelenting. Worse than that, heaven seemed so cold. The silence was too deafening (Job 19:7). God seemed to have moved everything against Job’s cause and recovery. His relatives and friends deserted him. Even his servants rebelled against his authority (13-20). His plea for pity from friends could break even the cold-hearted (21). Job wished someone would indelibly record his words for eternity, so that all may read and judge for themselves (23-24).  

But out of the gloom, Job rose to the height of mount faith. A righteous man may moan and complain, but he never forgets the justice of God. There his faith will rest, though it may suffer a momentary defeat. 

I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth, and after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes, I – and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

That’s it—our consolation on this chaotic side of eternity. Job expressed the certainty of seeing God after his earthly travail had ended. Take it for what one may. Job looked forward to seeing the God of justice after death in a resurrected body. He yearned for that day when, instead of all the suffering, pain, and accusations, God would vindicate him. What a refreshing thought. 

So, do not lose hope when the world reviles you. Hold on to your confidence in Christ and live blamelessly for His glory. Though you suffer now, it is worth everything when you see the face of your Lord when His glory will burst forth before you in His presence (2 Cor. 4:16-18).