Relief from depression - Job 18-19

Once again (now ten times according to Job ... 19:3) Job is tormented by his friend(s) - this time it is Bildad. Bildad goes on and on about how wicked people are tormented like Job is being tormented; therefore Job must be wicked. Job could turn to Psalm 73 and show Bildad that even though wicked people in this life "can" be tormented, Aspah writes in his Psalm that the wicked are often at ease and live in luxury. But, Job seems to be done defending himself against his friends and simply pleads with them to quit adding to the torment (19:2,3,21,22). Instead, Job now sees this as the direct hand of God on his life (19:21b). And, since it is God's hand on his life (via Satan's attack) Job must plead with God and look beyond himself. As I read the book of Job I see this chapter as the turning point. Although there are 20 more chapters of torment and argumentation and debate, Job has rounded the corner by recognizing that His redeemer lives (19:25, 26). This is the gospel in the OT. This is God working in a man's life and giving him faith in the midst of his desperation and depression. Only God can reveal such truths to mankind. Job is the example we need to see how we turn the corner on depression and rejection. We look to our redeemer and we know that He lives. Even though we may be destroyed we have hope in a God who sustains us. He ever lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). Christ is making intercession for us because He lives. Depression and life's pain cannot separate us from that truth. Rejoice in His living to make intercession for us.