Though he slay me, I will hope in him;

   yet I will argue my ways to his face.

This will be my salvation,

   that the godless shall not come before him.

When faced with suffering, tragedy, and disappointment, have you ever asked, “Why would God let this happen?” Job and his acquaintances spend an entire book of the Bible debating this very question. God allows Satan to take everything from Job but his life. Job’s children are killed, he loses his wealth, and he is afflicted with painful illnesses. Through this series of tragedies, Job repeatedly questions God and cries out to him for relief. Job doesn’t understand what is happening. He doesn’t like what is happening. Still, Job resolutely declares, “I will hope in him.”

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Speaking about this passage, Charles Spurgeon opined, “THIS is one of the supreme sayings of Scripture. It rises, like an alpine summit, clear above all ordinary heights of speech, it pierces the clouds, and glistens in the light of God. If I were required to quote a selection of the sublimest utterances of the human mind, I should mention this among the first: ‘Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.’” Spurgeon goes on to ask, “Why, think you, was Job able to speak thus positively about his trusting God? Was it not because he knew God?...Those who are strangers to him cannot trust him.”

Here we see the importance of the deeper life, of not just knowing about God but truly knowing him. Job had a relationship with God that sustained him through his suffering. Job was emotionally honest with God and says in verse 15, “I will argue my ways to his face.” Job didn’t hold back. But he didn’t step back either. He continued engaging with God confidently and persistently in his frustration and despair. Job declared he would keep trusting God even if God slayed him. But Job’s life was ultimately spared. There was another, however, who submitted himself to suffering to the point of death on a cross.

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Job felt that God was against him, and maybe you’ve felt that way too. But we can look to the crucifixion and know with confidence that he who did not spare his own son is for us. Because of Christ’s example, Peter tells believers we can even rejoice through our trials: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12-13).

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So we see Job arguing with and venting to God. On the other hand, we have Peter and Paul who both talk about rejoicing in their sufferings. The Bible also tells us Paul repeatedly pleaded with the Lord to spare him from one of the trials he faced (2 Corinthians 12:8). And then there are the psalms, which are filled with all of the above! Prayer is bringing your heart to the Father (the good, the bad, and the ugly) and seeking to know his heart and be transformed through time spent in his presence. Sometimes it may even look like arguing to his face. Let’s let go of what we think prayer should look like and follow Job’s example of approaching God with persistent hope and utter honesty today.

God of the universe, I know you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Your ways are too wonderful for me to understand, yet you patiently listen to the questionings and longings of my heart. As I face disappointments and sorrows, help me to see you. Even when I do not understand, give me the faith to trust you. No one who puts their hope in you will ever be put to shame. Father, my hope is in you alone. In the name of Jesus who suffered and died and rose in glory, amen.