Faith In Despair

Published May 20, 2026

Job 6

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | Barbie McMath

When my children were young, I often had to address squabbles over toys. As they grew, the disagreements shifted to privileges. Inevitably, one of them would tell me I wasn’t being fair. Arms crossed and faces scowling, they would explain all the reasons my decision was unjust. Early in life, we develop a deep desire for what we believe is fair. Even as adults, we still wrestle with that same longing for justice.

It is easy to fall into the disillusionment that if we pursue God’s will, work hard, and treat others kindly, we might somehow avoid pain and grief. Humanity has always struggled with the question: Why do bad things happen to good people?

In this passage, Job responded to his friends about his despair, overwhelming grief, and unwavering commitment to the Lord. He urged them to look at him honestly, insisting he was not lying and had not turned away from God (verse 28).

Yet his friends misunderstood God’s character and assumed Job must be at fault in some way.

The disciples carried a similar misunderstanding when they asked Jesus, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:2-3).

We often hear the phrase, “God helps those who help themselves,” but Scripture tells a different story. God helps those who cannot help themselves.

Job recognized his inability to control his situation or rescue himself (verses 12-13). The true character of God is not found in a life free from suffering, but in His faithfulness through it. He has always loved us and prepared a way for us to be reconciled to Him.

WALK IN THE WAY READING PLAN ADDITIONAL RESOURCES