Gift of God Devotional

“If only my anguish could be weighed and all my misery be placed on the scales! It would surely outweigh the sand of the seas— no wonder my words have been impetuous…. What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What prospects, that I should be patient? Do I have the strength of stone? Is my flesh bronze? Do I have any power to help myself, now that success has been driven from me?” Job‬ ‭6‬:‭2‬-‭3‬, ‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Anguish. Misery. Suffering. Those words carry weight – and they weigh down those whom they represent. It’s like a backpack you carry that gets another pebble or stone added for every little problem, not to mention the big rocks and boulders for the big problems. Alone, these might not be all that bad – but together, they are enough to crush a man.

What strength do I have, that I should still hope? Where is all the strength I need to carry this bag of rocks? It’s like Sisyphus trying to push a massive boulder up a hill – I need a dump truck, not a backpack!

Do I have any power to help myself? Honestly? No! I’m suffering – but I’m not alone. I’m in anguish – but I have a God who cares for me and promises rest. Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Look to Jesus, and give Him your burdens and accept His light burden.