The Human Spirit
Job experienced grief and much physical pain. Then, his friends caused him anguish and frustration by accusing him of sin because of his trials, when Job was right with God. Through it all, we pick up definite signs that God was ministering to Job. In Job 10:12 he says, "You have granted me life and favor, and Your care has preserved my spirit." There are some profound truths in that statement.
First of all, Job gave God credit for giving him life and for the fact that he was still alive. Yes, he had terrible boils all over his body, but he was alive. He could still relate to God and other people. He could still grapple with what was going on in his life. Life is a blessing. We should all be thankful for every day of life.
Also, he had favor with God, even in his suffering. He knew that God had not cut him off. He just did not understand the reason for his trials. This is very important for us, as well. No matter how difficult our lives become, we can always turn to the Lord, if we know Him, and we are right with Him as Job was.
Finally, God preserved his "spirit." The human spirit is the part of us that relates to God. It is eternal, and thus, we are eternal once we are born. When Job said that God had preserved his spirit, I believe he was declaring that he knew His relationship with God was secure. He would go to be with God when He died. That is why Paul could say, "To live is Christ, and to die is gain." He knew that life was a blessing, but it was even greater to know that God had him in His hands and would receive him to Himself one day.
I hope that you know the Lord's care and favor today, no matter how your life is going. I pray that you have the certain hope of heaven, because you know Christ has saved you, and your spirit is preserved for eternity to be with Him.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Job 11-13.
First of all, Job gave God credit for giving him life and for the fact that he was still alive. Yes, he had terrible boils all over his body, but he was alive. He could still relate to God and other people. He could still grapple with what was going on in his life. Life is a blessing. We should all be thankful for every day of life.
Also, he had favor with God, even in his suffering. He knew that God had not cut him off. He just did not understand the reason for his trials. This is very important for us, as well. No matter how difficult our lives become, we can always turn to the Lord, if we know Him, and we are right with Him as Job was.
Finally, God preserved his "spirit." The human spirit is the part of us that relates to God. It is eternal, and thus, we are eternal once we are born. When Job said that God had preserved his spirit, I believe he was declaring that he knew His relationship with God was secure. He would go to be with God when He died. That is why Paul could say, "To live is Christ, and to die is gain." He knew that life was a blessing, but it was even greater to know that God had him in His hands and would receive him to Himself one day.
I hope that you know the Lord's care and favor today, no matter how your life is going. I pray that you have the certain hope of heaven, because you know Christ has saved you, and your spirit is preserved for eternity to be with Him.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Job 11-13.