LIGHT OF HOPE AND HELP (5)

“And you would be secure, because THERE IS HOPE; Yes, you would dig around you, and take your rest in safety” – Job 11:18

All who believe can experience the LIGHT of HOPE and HELP in Seasons of Uncertainty and Insecurity: “And you would be secure, because THERE IS HOPE; Yes, you would dig around you, and take your rest in safety. You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor” (Job 11:18-19). Impetuous Zophar, one of Job’s well-intentioned friends, told Job that if he puts away sin and allows no evil to dwell in his tent, then all would be well (v.14). It makes sense in the natural, that if only Job would repent of sin in his life, he would be secure and unafraid. In reality however, a safe and secure life despite adverse circumstances, comes from an active relationship with God.

Trusting God for our security depends not on our perfection, but on His ability to sustain us in all situations. Despite Zophar’s narrow counsel, he highlighted the truth of HOPE and HELP in God. He is the trustworthy, all-good God. He loves us and has our best interests at heart. Even in unfavourable conditions, we can still trust Him because nothing happens without His knowledge or consent. If He allows something unsavoury to happen in our lives, we can still trust Him to bring about His good purposes through the situation (Rom.8:28). Nothing is beyond God’s reach and there is no reason to be afraid of the unforeseen. While something may be uncertain to us, it’s never unanticipated to God!

The Word of God consistently shines the Light of Hope and Help even in the darkest of days: “Indeed THERE IS HOPE for a tree. If it’s cut down and still sprouting and its shoots don’t fail, if its roots age in the ground and its stump dies in the dust, at the scent of water, it will bud and produce sprouts like a plant” (Job 14:7-9). If no one knew, Job knew the God Who provides comfort and light in life’s dark tunnels. The book that bears His name testifies to a man whose life became agonizingly difficult, but was buoyed by his hope and steadfast faith in God. In Christ, and through the efficacy of Scriptures, we have a soothing reminder of being so much more resilient than we may assume we are.

Hope may not always “spring eternal”! Feelings of hopelessness often accompany deep emotions like anxiety, fear or depression. One may find it hard to be hopeful in the wake of a significant loss or a rough patch in a dear relationship. But God will always ensure bright spots, if we are sensitive to His Spirit. God is watching over us, beaming light into the darker moments of life. His Word is capable of inspiring us with Hope and Help; and providing comfort, confidence, encouragement, and strength to uphold us in seasons of insecurity and uncertainty.