“Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.” (Job 7:11, ESV)

Job passed the first two tests. When he lost all his possessions in a single day, including his ten sons and daughters, he did not sin. Even after he was covered from head to toe with painful boils, he did not curse God. But the third test of Job’s friends charging him with evil, Job could not endure. There is nothing like being falsely accused to cause a person to lose his composure. Job had complained about his wretched circumstances, but now he would give full vent to his anguish and bitterness by complaining against God.

I have heard people complain against God in the bitterness of their soul. This always breaks my heart because I know they are believing a lie that God is not good. I certainly cannot explain why bad things often happen to good people. I freely admit that I don’t understand all the ways of God. To be honest, I am suspicious of people who think they have God figured out.

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9, NKJV)

However, whether our circumstances are favorable or unfavorable, I believe that God loves us and supports us with His everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:27). Job found fault with God for not leaving him alone (vv. 17-19). But because God is so deeply concerned for us He does not leave us alone.

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29–31, ESV)

“Heavenly Father, thank you for your constant care for us. Help us trust in you even when we don’t understand. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.”