Day 187 Bible Readings for July 8 - Job 7:20-21 (NLT)

Job 4-7, Psalm 32

Job 7:20-21 (NLT)

“If I have sinned, what have I done to you, O watcher of all humanity? Why make me your target? Am I a burden to you? Why not just forgive my sin and take away my guilt? For soon I will lie down in the dust and die. When you look for me, I will be gone.”

In Job 7:20-21, Job asked the Lord if his suffering was because of sin. He felt singled out by Father-God and was confused, wondering what he could have done to deserve such suffering. Job then asked the Lord why He did not simply forgive his sin and take away his guilt. Finally, he told the Lord that he would soon die and that when the Lord looked for him, he would no longer be there.

These verses remind me of conversations I have had with the Lord during seasons of suffering. I have known the grief that Job felt, wondering if I had become a burden to the Lord or if Father-God no longer cared for or loved me. I also remember thinking that I was being singled out for punishment.

Job was having an honest conversation with the Lord about what he was feeling and thinking. He questioned his understanding of what was happening during his suffering. What also stands out to me is that Father-God was not the source of Job's suffering. Satan was the one who brought suffering into Job's life. It is natural to blame the Lord when things go wrong, but the Book of Job reminds us that we should not be quick to assume that our suffering is God's punishment. Instead, we should remember that the Lord loves and cares for us and continue to trust in His caring and unchanging nature.

If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who loves and cares for His children—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.

Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.