Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.–Job 14:1
People might debate many verses in the Bible, but here’s a verse just about everyone would have to agree on….the days of our life are “full of trouble”. It seems to me that only the young or very foolish might question the truthfulness of this statement. Older and wiser folks know it is true.
Here we see man’s birth…”born”, brevity…”of few days”, and his burdens…”full of trouble”. We are reminded of our delivery, difficulties, and death. As much as much as we might desire a trouble-free life, it ain’t gonna happen! Not yet. Life is fleeting and full of trouble, and we are frail. Our days are short and our sufferings are many. Notice, he says, “full” of “trouble”, not a “few” troubles. We live in a fallen world and that’s what we ought to expect–“man is born unto trouble”(Job 5:7). If you’ve lived very long you don’t need any convincing. Experience has taught you that this is true. We simply cannot escape. We can only endure.My heart aches for those whose heart breaks because of some trouble. They have questions and neither I nor you have the answers. We want to help, but the severity of their situation is far beyond our ability to solve.
Troubles come in all sorts, shapes, sizes, and seasons. Some are minor, just enough to annoy; others are major, more than enough to afflict you. Some simply make you uncomfortable, others seem unbearable. Some are like a chilly breeze that deprives you of comfort. Others are like a hurricane that is about to destroy all that is dear and precious to your heart. What ever the case, in this world there will always be “trouble”.
Dear friend, it is useless to deny this or to despair because of it. Sure we grieve..God expects us to do so. But our troubles should make us better, not bitter. This is the lot of all men, and all is either caused or allowed by our loving Father, who is all wise and ever loving. In our present state we cannot understand the reason why–it makes no sense to us now, but bye and bye, we will stand before the Lord and the fog will lift, we’ll know as we are known and it will all make sense. Then we will see no reason to complain. In fact, believe it or not, we will actually rejoice, knowing that our perfect God was in full control and subjected us to these troubles for some good reason and glorious purpose. Until then it is good to remember this–when you can’t trace God’s hand, trust His heart. As the old song says, “We’ll understand it better bye and bye”. I can’t answer your questions, but I offer this advice–seek His glory, trust His grace, and believe that some good will be the result. Until the day that God when explains every mystery, dries every tear, rewards every servant, and re-unites all His children, I “weep with them that weep”(Romans 12:15). Your servant for Christ sake, Bro. Stone
