1140 - Job Speaks of His Former Blessings

Job Speaks of His Former Blessings

“I long for the years gone by, when God took care of me, when He lit up the way before me, and I walked safely, through the darkness.

When I was in my prime, God’s friendship was felt in my home.

The Almighty was still with me, and my children were around me.

My steps were awash in cream,

and the rocks gushed olive oil for me.

“Those were the days, when I went to the city gate, and I took my place among the honored leaders.

The young stepped aside when they saw me, and even the aged rose, in respect, at my coming.

The princes stood in silence, and put their hands over their mouths.

The highest officials, of the city, stood quietly, holding their tongues, in respect.

“All, who heard me, praised me.

All, who saw me, spoke well of me.

For I assisted the poor, in their need, and the orphans, who required help.

I helped those, without hope, and they blessed me.

And I caused, the widows’ hearts, to sing for joy.

Everything I did was honest.

Righteousness covered me, like a robe, and I wore justice, like a turban.

I served, as eyes for the blind, and as feet for the lame.

I was a father, to the poor, and I assisted strangers, who needed help.

I broke the jaws, of godless oppressors, and I plucked their victims, from their teeth.

“I thought, ‘Surely I will die surrounded by my family, after a long, good life.

For I am like a tree, whose roots reach the water, whose branches are refreshed with the dew.

New honors are constantly bestowed on me, and my strength is continually renewed.’

“Everyone listened to my advice.

They were silent, as they waited, for me to speak.

And after I spoke, they had nothing to add, for my counsel satisfied them.

They longed, for me to speak, as people long for rain.

They drank my words, like refreshing spring rain.

When they were discouraged, I smiled at them.

My look, of approval, was precious to them.

Like a chief, I told them what to do.

I lived like a king, among his troops, …and I comforted those, who mourned.

Tyndale House Publishers.

Job 29:1-25

Praise be to God!

Jo’s Place