A Soul Poured Out - Job 29-30

 Job 30:16-23 (ESV)

“And now my soul is poured out within me;

days of affliction have taken hold of me.

The night racks my bones,

and the pain that gnaws me takes no rest.

With great force my garment is disfigured;

it binds me about like the collar of my tunic.

God has cast me into the mire,

and I have become like dust and ashes.

I cry to you for help and you do not answer me;

I stand, and you only look at me.

You have turned cruel to me;

with the might of your hand you persecute me.

You lift me up on the wind; you make me ride on it,

and you toss me about in the roar of the storm.

For I know that you will bring me to death

and to the house appointed for all living.

In chapters 29 and 30 we have one of the most striking contrast of a man’s mindset.  In chapter 29, Job is remember the days of his strength, dignity and reputation.  In chapter 30, Job is recounting his weakness, shame and disrespect from those around him.  Job has gone from the top to the bottom.  And, only God and he know it has nothing to do with his character.  Yet, everyone makes that judgement.   Job finds himself in a depressed spot. That is what we read about.   His “soul is poured out within” him.  When Hannah came to the Tabernacle to pray for her barren womb, she poured out her soul to God (God would send her a son, Samuel).   Job is saying he is pouring out his soul “within” himself.   He is saying that he is “empty.”   He has nothing more to give to seek relief.   It is interesting that there is only one more chapter of Job’s lament and then we hear from another friend, Elihu.  Elihu will point Job to God.  God will then speak to Job.   That all doesn’t happen until Job reaches the point of his soul being empty.  It is empty of himself.   When we read all this, this is where Job is:

1. His soul is empty - vs 16

2. His bones are in pain - vs 17

3. His garments are chocking him - vs 18

4. His seat is filled with dust and ashes - vs 19

5. His voice is unheard - vs 20

6. His body feels God’s wrath - vs 21

7. His life is out of control, blow by the wind - vs 22

8. His future is nothing left but death - vs 23

This is Job’s plight.   But, this is where Job needs to be to hear the voice of God in the following chapters.  Somethings we have to pour our soul out, before God puts what He wants, within.