“HOW DO YOU FEEL?

by Kevin Rutherford

It is common in our culture to greet people with a “hi” and a “how are you?” Many times the “how are you?,” is asked simply as a standard greeting with no real interest in hearing an answer. However, some genuinely desire to hear the answer and would love to offer some help or comfort if they answer given is a. negative one. “How do you feel?” Do you feel well? Are you experiencing minor discomfort, significant pain, or intense emotional or physical agony? Do you feel like Job?

Job had 7 sons and 3 daughters. He loved them very much and was quite concerned for their spiritual well being (Job 1:2-5). They were all killed on the same day (Job 1:18, 19). How do you suppose he felt? Job was the wealthiest man in his day (Job 1:3). That is, until he lost all of his wealth in the same day he lost all of his children (Job 1:13-22). How do you suppose Job felt? That was not the end of his troubles. Job was afflicted with boils “from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head (Job 2:7).” How do you suppose Job felt?

Job said, “May the day perish on which I was born (Job 3:3).” He asked, “Why did I not die at birth (Job 3:11)?” Later he spoke of his longing for death [note: He did not believe in euthanasia or assisted suicide.] and of how he searched for death more than for great treasure (Job 3:20-26). His agony and depression are clearly seen in the following statements: “the thing greatly feared has come upon me,” “I am not at ease, nor am I quiet,” “I have no rest (Job 3:25, 26).” As time went by and Job found his friends turning against him Job said, “My spirit is broken, my days are extinguished, the grave is ready for me (Job 17:1).” How do you feel? Have you ever felt like Job?

In the midst of his suffering Job could only see hope and relief in the prospects of death. He could not foresee any potential for joy and happiness on earth ever again. His life, as he had lived it, was over. A shell of a man so beaten by tragedy that his own friends could not even recognize him (Job 2:12). Hopeless, desperate, confused, and hurting are words that describe this suffering man.

Though Job did not know it, God was watching. Though Job was unsure about it, God still loved him. Though Job wanted immediate relief he would have to wait, but it was coming. Through the darkest of times Job searched for answers. Through intense and thorough agony Job continued on, one excruciating day at a time. Though Job did not know, God was planning to relieve him and to bless him.

When God was ready He spoke to Job to clear up some of Job’s misconceptions about suffering and about God. In God’s time Job’s character was cleared, his body was healed, he became twice as wealthy as before, his family and friends returned, and he was blessed with seven more sons and three more daughters (Job 42). Job would go on to live another 140 years after his suffering, eventually relegating this tragedy to a distant memory (Job 42:16, 17).

How do you feel? Do you feel as desperate as Job once felt? If you do, please take heart. God knows how you feel. Express your pain to Him in prayer and He will bless you with a measure of peace (Philippians 4:6, 7). Feel free to request that the agony be removed but don’t be surprised if the answer is no (Matthew 26:36-42; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10). If you are a faithful Christian know that God is on your side (Romans 8:31). Trust that God will work this out in the best possible way according to His wisdom (Romans 8:28).

How do you feel? If you are feeling bad make a renewed effort to avoid an eternity in hell where one feels bad forever (Revelation 21:8). Faithful Christian; look forward to the time when you will be in heaven, because there you shall never again be afflicted with pain, sorrow, death, parting, or disease (Revelation 21:4). How do you feel? God knows. God cares.