Job 16:22

REFLECTIONS

READER! while we behold Job bowed down under the very heavy load of sorrow, and hear the complaints issuing from him, as related in this chapter; let us not be too hasty, in charging the poor man with impatience. Alas! What can the coolness of reason accomplish, in the hour of warm distresses. No doubt it is our unbelief, which is at the bottom of all our rash conclusions, and unbecoming thoughts. And had Job instead of looking at second causes, been able to have had his faith always exercised, in resting upon GOD'S faithfulness, and GOD'S promises; faith would have triumphed more nobly. But where, blessed JESUS, where shall we look for this perfection of faith, but in thee the author of it? Oh! that had but grace in all my lesser exercises, to remember that thou art everlastingly pursuing one plan, and that a plan of pure love and mercy, in all the events which take place in thy church; and among thy people! Thou hast thine eyes upon them for good. And all is working together for good, even in the very moment when outward circumstances, or inward trials, seem to be most distressing. This we know by the sequel of Job's history, to have been the case in his instance. And it is the same in the instance of all the redeemed. How many a precious soul hath found cause in the close of some heavy trial, to look back through the dark passage he hath been brought, and then he could discern, though he could not while passing through it, the clear marks of JESUS'S presence, and his leadings in the way! How many have kissed the rod, at the moment it hath been taking from them, which while exercising in GOD'S hand, they have trembled under? Reader! let our improvement from this chapter, and indeed from all Job's history, be to arrive to this most certain conclusion; whom the LORD loveth he chasteneth. Precious JESUS! never, never remit those tokens of thy love to me, however painful to flesh and blood! Under the blessed teachings of thy HOLY SPIRIT, I am every day learning more and more, (though one of the most wayward scholars in thy school), that they are necessary. I see, gracious LORD, that the greatest enemy I have to contend with my spiritual warfare, is my own fleshly, sinful, corrupt, and unbelieving heart. I see that this flesh is always seeking ease and enjoyment, and forever opposing the holy pursuits, and desires of my better part. LORD! undertake for me. Stir up my soul. Unsettle my rest; hedge up my path with thorns if thou seest it needful, so that if I seek after my lovers in any corrupt affection, I may not find them. And dear LORD, allure me, and bring me into the wilderness, and there speak comfortably unto me, according to thine own most sweet and gracious promise, that I may return unto thee, my Ishi, my first, and best, and truest husband, at length, perfectly convinced that in thee only, present peace and everlasting happiness are found.