Job 8:1-10:22

Now it's Bildad's turn to fuss at Job.

I like the image of papyrus and reeds growing. They need water to grow tall - but they also need to be cut to prevent withering.  We too need hydration and nourishment to grow physically and spiritually.  But if we don't have accountability, gentle pruning, nurture, then we won't continue to grow.  Job just hasn't realized this because he is too grieved and angry.

In 8:14, Bildad compare's a person's trust in something other than God as fragile as a spider's web.  Have you ever tried to lean on a spider's web? Or cling to it?  If not try it sometime.  I think the only thing you will really learn is that gravity works.

Job replies...
I have often felt as he did in 9:14. "How can I dispute with/answer him? How can I find words to argue/reason with Him?"  I see Job saying, yes. He's the great and powerful God. I'm just a little mortal. Why should he care? I really am nothing to him. I can't stand up to him. It won't do anything.  And I have to much fear of him.  (Although a certain amount of fear of God is a good thing!)

But Job does start crying out to God.  In anger. bitterness. despair.  And he regrets being born. being created so carefully by god.  and he wants to die.  He believes that if God will just turn away, then he can have some joy.

But we know he can't.  There is no real joy without God.  It is fake and fleeting.