By Nancy Virden (c)2026

Job has heard enough. He said to his friends, those who accused him of spiritual failure because of his losses, “What miserable comforters you are! Won’t you ever stop blowing hot air?” Their support, which had begun so well in silence, devolved miserably, making his situation worse with platitudes and stigmatic judgments.

Job resolved to ignore them and to take his questions straight to God. He asked, “Did I not weep for those in trouble? Was I not deeply grieved for the needy? So I looked for good, but evil came instead. I waited for the light, but darkness fell.”

Job’s expectation that God would honor his good behavior with more positive blessings was behind his confusion. He admits, “What I have feared has happened.” What do you suppose Job feared? Due to trauma, some of us may expect the other shoe to drop, or we distrust everyone until they meet our standard of trustworthiness. We can live in fear of abandonment, rejection, or the loss of what matters most. Some live for approval, success, a good reputation, or unconditional love from someone special.

When our fear manifests, we can doubt the value of living. I know.

It makes sense that Job would wonder why, and why me, in the midst of his multiple traumas. One thing we can say about Job’s faith is that he went to the source of truth, not to the social media of his day (the city gate) or his besties. As he questioned God’s seemingly random choice of target, he clung to his awe of the Almighty, even prophesying concerning Jesus’ Second Coming and the resurrection of those who believe:

“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!”

God chose to offer genuine compassion, which often comes with a dose of reality. He asked, “Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.”

God continued with such as, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? What is the way to the abode of light? And where does darkness reside?” God spoke of many of his creations, challenging Job to have all the answers. “Do you give the horse its strength?”

Job got the point and replied with humility. “I was talking about things far too wonderful for me. I take back everything I said.”

Job’s trauma response had been to find someone to blame. He felt like a victim and wanted to prove his innocence to his friends and to God. We desire that when we hurt, don’t we? We look for validation and sympathy, sometimes to a fault. God’s answer was for Job to remember that He, the Almighty, understands what humans do not perceive, and that human strong emotions, circumstances, doubts, and confusion are met by trusting Him.

In trauma, we can choose to remember that there is only One God, and he’s not you or me. That is comforting.

The conclusion in Part 4.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Job 40:1,2

The Lord said to Job: “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him?
    Let him who accuses God answer him!”

If you are feeling suicidal or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S., call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room; in the EU, call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here.) Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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