“I loathe my life....” These are not exactly the most encouraging words from the Bible...or are they? Let’s step back and look at the context in which they fall.
A man by the name of Job spoke these words. Job was experiencing unbearable suffering at the time, wondering where God was and articulating how he felt. As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that God was not far from him. God eventually speaks and reveals Himself to Job, shedding light in his situation. God did not provide all the answers Job was seeking, but He did draw Job to Himself, show that He had been there all along, and that Job could trust Him even when life made no sense. Something bigger was going on than what Job saw.
Now back to the initial question. Are the words Job spoke, “I loathe my life?” encouraging? Not by themselves, but seen in view of the bigger picture, yes they are encouraging in a roundabout way. Why? They show us that we can be honest with God about how we feel, but that we also need to realize there is likely more going on than our feelings. Even in our lowest moments, God is nearby and is likely closer than we think. He may not give us all the answers we want, but we can rest in the security of His presence.
All-knowing and ever-present God,
I do not understand all of what is going on in my life right now.
Some of it is good and some of it I loathe.
But I can depend on this: You are nearer than the air I breathe and I can rest in You.
I do not have to figure out everything.
Give me grace in the suffering and may I never lose hope,
because there is more to my life than my feelings in this moment.
In Jesus name, amen.
P.S. If you are so low that you feel like ending your life, please reach out for help. It may be to a family member or friend, your local church, or someone else your trust. In Maine there is a Crisis Line number you can call: 1-888-568-1112. Your life is far more valuable than you may realize in this moment.