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Job 23:10-12 But [God] knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food. (ESV)

It’s easy to be hopeful about your future when the going’s good. But when it’s not, a sense of hopelessness – of despondency, even – can set in. And quite honestly, that just makes things worse.

The other day we chatted about the Old Testament character, Job, who in the many desperate troubles that he travelled through, managed never to blame God. Sometimes he had to grit his teeth, and I’m absolutely certain that some days the tears flowed.

But he was able to say: The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away … blessed be the name of the Lord. And the only way he was able to get through the loss of his wealth, his social status, his family … pretty much everything, was … well, I’ll let him tell you:

Job 23:10-12 But [God] knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food. (ESV)

How was Job able to survive his suffering? By treasuring God’s commandments, God’s Word, above his circumstances, above his pain, above the niggling and criticism of his so-called friends … above everything. You and I, when we’re suffering, we tend to drift away from God’s Word; we want to behave badly and ignore his commandments.

But treasure … treasure is a very strong word.

I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.

That’s how! And that’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.