Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul,   to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure,   who are filled with gladness and rejoice when they reach the grave?   Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in?   For sighing has become my daily food; my groans pour out like water.   What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me.   I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil. – Job 3:20-26 NIV

Job is an interesting float so far.  It feels very personal and multi-layered.  The language is rich with meaning and depth.  Sort of like a deep pool of clear water.  There are some very deep questions posed here.  Why is light given to those in misery?  It seems the answer is that God loves us and He gives us His light when we are in misery and when we have joy.

Job is describing someone for whom living has become unbearable…”a man whose way is hidden”.  What is meant by this?  Is there something equivalent about not knowing our way and losing our desire to live?  This would imply that we can only find meaning in life when we know the way.

Then comes the water reference in this passage “For sighing has become my daily food; my groans pour out like water.”  This sounds like someone who has become accustomed to indulging in their disappointment.  Groans that pour out like water…what would that look like?  It does not sound like something I want to experience. It sounds almost like a soul that has sprung a leak.

Job has definitely encountered turbulent water and is stuck in a rip current that he is unable to get out of.  I have a feeling that the book of Job may be more difficult rapids than I thought…

Prayer: God help us to navigate the rapids that threaten to flip our boats and mire us in turbulent water.