Painful Relief

Job 6:10 - “But it is still my consolation, and I rejoice in unsparing pain, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One."

Few of us have experienced loss such as Job. Yet, he was able to say that he rejoiced in "unsparing pain." This boggles the natural mind to comprehend how Job could praise God in the midst of such calamity as losing his family and health. The secret lies in the second part of this verse. To the degree we embrace or deny "the words of the Holy One" in our day to day walk with the Lord, will be to the degree we understand embracing the pain of loss.

Rejoicing is different than joy. The former allows the latter to flow unreservedly. However, without joy our rejoicing will soon dry up, having lost the power of its Source. Those who possess the joy of the Lord through God's presence (Psalm 16:11), cannot avoid its escape through rejoicing. We must first know God through His word and allow the knowledge of the Holy One to teach us to embrace loss as He did. The Father's relationship with His Son in death is our prime example. We should understand there is indeed a great reward on the other side of the pain of suffering if we will but trust in God.