September 15, 2024
Sunday Sermon
HOW TO RESPOND TO LIFE’S DARK VALLEY
Job 1:20-22 & 2:8-10
Have you ever been coasting along comfortably in life with everything going fairly well, then, without warning, things began to crumble? For months, perhaps years, you have been relatively peaceful, stable, and happy. You were experiencing no major trouble or hardship. When the normal difficulties of everyday life arose, they were easily worked out. Whatever life threw at you was manageable and under control. But then, suddenly, something happened. Some tragedy struck so quickly and unexpectedly that things seemed to come crashing down around you. For years you have been working hard to build a good life for yourself and family, but then, without warning, your good life was threatened, interrupted, and perhaps damaged beyond repair. Think for a minute about;
Ø A good relationship suddenly deteriorates and falls apart.
Ø A child starts acting up or gets into serious trouble.
Ø Unexpected bills arise or an investment goes bad.
Ø You lose your job, home, or a beloved family member.
Ø You are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.
In other words, tragedy strikes and you feel attacked by fate, bad fortune, Satan, or even the LORD. You believe you are doing everything right but, in return, your life begins to unravel around you. On top of that, nothing you do seems to change or improve the situation. Hopelessness sets in and there appears to be no way out of your desperate situation.
As we unpack this text in detail today, I want to share with you the lessons Job taught those who were in the center of his influence. Faithful Christians, you have a duty while you are in the valley!
For this message, I would like to draw from the experience of Job. I would like to show GTB that Job performed certain duties while in the valley that stand as a testimony to you and me. What Job did when he was in the valley, is what we are supposed to do.
Let’s look at four actions regarding Job in this text as I preach about HOW TO RESPOND TO LIFE’S DARK VALLEY!
I. THERE MUST BE A DEVOTION TO GOD v. 20
At this final piece of news in verse 18, Job finally arose from his seat. Picture the scene: Job had been sitting and listening in utter shock---listening to one messenger after another, listening to every devastating report. But after hearing about his children’s deaths, he could bear no more.
A. Job got up, tore his robe, and shaved his head v. 20a. In other words, Job expressed his deep anguish. In ancient times, tearing one’s clothing and shaving one’s head were common expressions of intense grief. So, Job was expressing his grief in the custom of his day. However, Job’s next response was anything but customary or ordinary; in fact, it was extraordinary----totally unlike what most people would do.
B. Job worshipped the LORD v. 20b. In the midst of receiving such devastating economic news and the loss of his dear children, Job fell to the ground in worship. What a moving picture! Out of intense grief, Job still worshipped and prayed to the LORD. He still trusted the LORD to strengthen him, so he could bear the utter heartbreak and devastating grief of it all.
We ought to ask ourselves what it would take to make us turn on God. When Job considered this, his response is recorded in Job 13:15, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him:” Job say even if the Lord takes his life, he will still trust in the Lord. What about you?
HOW TO RESPOND TO LIFE’S DARK VALLEY
1. There must be a devotion
II. THERE MUST BE A DEPENDENCE UPON GOD v. 21-22
When Job opened his mouth, it was not to complain or to whine. When he spoke, it was to praise the Lord and to declare his continued dependence upon the power and will of God.
When you are traveling through the valley, remember these truths in verses 21-22.
A. Job acknowledged two indisputable truths v. 21:
· First, he could not take his wealth with him when he died.
· Second, the LORD was in control of his life. The LORD had given and taken away.
B. Job not only worshipped and acknowledged God’s sovereign control but also, he praised the LORD in v. 21b. Rather than cursing God to His face ---as Satan had bargained---job bowed in worship and blessed the Name of the LORD. Job did not become bitter nor sin by blaming God v. 22.
You can depend on God. He will never fail you nor forsake you, Heb. 13:5.
HOW TO RESPOND TO LIFE’S DARK VALLEY
1. There must be a devotion
2. There must be a dependence upon God
III. THERE MUST BE A DILIGENCE BEFORE GOD 2:8-10
A. Job’s perseverance despite physical suffering and rejection. While it is true that we ought to trust in the Lord for everything, we are still expected to do all we can. In the second chapter of Job the eight verse, we find Job sitting in the ash pile scrapping his sores with a piece of broken pottery. He can’t do much, but even in the valley, he is doing all that he can. Brothers and Sisters, do not allow your problems and trials to cause you to quit on God. Be diligent in your walk with God and He will surely bless and use you for His glory!
B. Notice that Job found relief only by scratching his sores with a piece of broken pottery v. 8a. The sores were not only painful but also extremely itchy. Contained in this image is a very great blessing from the Lord. The lesson is this, those who are broken can be used by the Lord to help others who are being broken. Brothers and Sisters, when you have been through the valley, you know how to help others who are coning along behind you. Remember, when you are in the valley and learned all the lessons which God wants to teach you. Then, you can come out of the valley and help someone else. Psalm 84:6
HOW TO RESPOND TO LIFE’S DARK VALLEY
1. There must be a devotion to God
2. There must be a dependence upon God
3. There must be a diligence before God
IV. THERE MUST BE A DECLARATION ABOUT GOD 2:10
Throughout all of Job’s afflictions, he never badmouthed God. he never stopped praising God.
The devil’s intentions were to get Job to turn against God, 1:11; 2:5. He squeezed Job expecting to get some real bad negative and hateful reaction. Job received severe criticism and rejection from his wife in verse 9. But, look at Job’s declaration!
A. His wife was bitter and wanted him to die.
B. He rebuked his wife.
1. He said she spoke like a foolish or godless woman.
2. He stated that they must trust in God in both good & bad times.
When things are rough around the edges and you are going through the valley, put your trust in Jesus. Whatever the need, take it to Jesus and he will fix it, 1 Peter 5:7.
HOW TO RESPOND TO LIFE’S DARK VALLEY
1. There must be a devotion to God
2. There must be a dependence upon God
3. There must be a diligence before God
4. There must be a declaration about God
Responsive Reading: Job 1:6-22
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