“But consider the joy of those corrected by God! Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin. For though he wounds, he also bandages. He strikes, but his hands also heal.” Job 5: 17-18

These words were spoken to Job by one of his friends, Eliphaz. Eliphaz was attempting to offer an explanation for why horrible things were happening to Job. He suggests that Job must have done something wrong and should throw himself at the mercy of the Almighty. We know, as the reader, that Job is not being punished, he is being tested. Job’s response to his friend reveals to the reader that he believes this too: “Stop assuming my guilt, for I have done no wrong. Do you think I am lying? Don’t I know the difference between right and wrong?” (Job 6: 29-30)

Even though Job’s friend was coming to the wrong conclusion, I actually love his response, because regardless of the reason behind our pain, the words he speaks are true.
But consider the joy of those…
As I read those few words the other day I realized just how crazy they would sound to someone who is not a believer in Christ. How in the world do joy and correction go together? How can you possibly pair joy and any adversity together? From a human perspective, joy in the midst of pain, corrections, and trials, seems backwards and just plain crazy.
And yet, it is completely possible.
I think this must be the part of my relationship with Christ that I cherish the most. I love the way He is able to inject joy into our lives despite our circumstances. His Spirit gives us the ability to see things through His eyes. And, we are able to say with confidence the same thing Paul tells the church in Corinth. “We are hard pressed on every side,but not crushed; perplexed,but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
I love my life with this Hope. I can’t imagine life without it.
What about you? How has God supplied you with joy despite your circumstances? Leave a comment below…