*Job 7:15-16 - “... my soul chooseth strangling, and death rather than my life. I loathe it; I would not live alway: let me alone; for my days are vanity.”

Read these verses in the context of Job’s recent experiences. In his deep grief over the loss of his children, servants, livestock and property, and his intense suffering of horrible physical afflictions, Job longed for death. Many since have felt the same way, even with considerably less reason for pain and grief. It’s natural; it’s normal. And God gave Job an answer that applies to us as well. Life is not man’s creation (chs. 38-39), and it is not man’s prerogative to complain about its nature. Job understood that it is man’s responsibility to be faithful to God though hard times as well as easy times (40:3-5; cp II Timothy 4:1-5). For his submission to God, “the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning” (42:12). Be patient (James 5:11). Wait upon the Lord. Be calm in thy soul. “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy” (James 5:11). God had not forsaken Job, and He will never forsake the faithful Christian (Hebrews 13:5-6).