Job 3:18,19
‘“The prisoners are at ease together; They do not hear the voice of the taskmaster. “The small and the great are there, And the slave is free from his master.”‘
These verses are part of Job’s lament. Most of it questions his birth. In it he wishes he was miscarried. Today’s verses are a wish for death. They proclaim the end of strife and pain when we get to Heaven.
I have known people who were tempted to take their own lives. Much like some are tempted to eat or drink. He was tempted towards suicide. I’m not sure if it was a drawing to be rid of their pain or something else. Like all temptations, that would be tough.
I want to take some time to discuss avoiding temptations. Some environments are tempting for some. Avoid those. Some songs or commercials can be tempting. Change the station. There is that instance at the beginning in which the hook of temptation hasn’t taken hold. It’s important to respond before that happens. If not, it’s hard to resist.
God will help us resist temptation. In my twenties I was afraid that I couldn’t resist, but would fall away. I still feel that way when I feel a season of temptation. But it’s 40 years later and I’m still in Christ. Romans 8:31,32 brings much comfort, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” Thank You, God.
I Corinthians 10:13 gives a great promise about resisting temptations; “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.” This has helped. However, there were times when I still succumbed to the temptation while clinging to this promise. I probably stayed too long so the hook was set. Pastor John Courson says about this verse that we need to follow the example of Jesus when using this verse. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He spoke scripture. I can’t say that I have spoken it out loud. I’ll try that.
Referring back to today’s verse. There will be a release from troubles when we die. I feel my life is blessed. I don’t feel in a hurry to leave this world. God will set His time for me. It’ll be good.