Job Opened His Mouth, and Cursed His Day.
F.B. Meyer explores the profound struggles of suffering and the call to humility and deeper faith in God during trials.
F.B. Meyer reflects on Job's lamentation over his birth, emphasizing that many people, in moments of despair, wish they had never been born due to the overwhelming weight of suffering. He points out that true religion is tested in times of suffering, where outward stoicism may mask inner pride and unyieldedness. Meyer encourages believers to humble themselves before God, search their hearts for impurities, and resign to God's will, seeking to learn from their trials and extend grace to others. He concludes with a reminder that even through suffering, the ultimate goal should be to draw nearer to God.
Text
Job opened his mouth, and cursed his day. Job iii. 1.
THAT is, the day of his birth. Probably there have been hours in the majority of lives in which men have wished that they had never been born. When they have stood beside the wreck of all earthly hope, or entered the garden of the grave they have cried, "Why died I not from the birth!" The reason for this is, that the heart has been so occupied with the transient and earthly, that it has lost sight of the unseen and eternal; and in finding itself deprived of the former, it has thought that there was nothing left to live for.
One of the greatest tests of true religion is in bearing suffering. At such a time we are apt, if we are professing Christians, to exert a certain constraint over ourselves, and bear ourselves heroically. We have read of people in like circumstances who have not shed a tear or uttered a complaining word; and we have braced ourselves to a Christian stoicism. "I am sure you cannot find fault with my behaviour," said one such to me. And yet beneath the correct exterior there may be the pride and haughtiness of an altogether unsubdued self.
There is a more excellent way: to humble oneself under the mighty hand of God; to search the heart for any dross that needs to be burnt out; to resign oneself to the will of the Father; to endeavour to learn the lesson in the black‑lettered book; to seek to manifest the specific grace for which the trial calls; to be very tender and thoughtful for others; to live deeper down.
"Nearer, my God to Thee! ‑‑ Nearer to Thee!
E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be ‑‑ Nearer, my God, to Thee!
Nearer to Thee!"
Sermon Outline
-
I
- The significance of Job's curse on his day
- The universal struggle with the desire for non-existence
- The impact of earthly loss on spiritual perspective
-
II
- The test of true religion in suffering
- The difference between outward behavior and inner turmoil
- The danger of pride in suffering
-
III
- The call to humility under God's hand
- The importance of self-examination during trials
- The necessity of seeking God's will in suffering
-
IV
- Manifesting grace in times of trial
- Being considerate of others in suffering
- Living a deeper spiritual life
Key Quotes
“There is a more excellent way: to humble oneself under the mighty hand of God.” — F.B. Meyer
“To search the heart for any dross that needs to be burnt out.” — F.B. Meyer
“Still all my song shall be - Nearer, my God, to Thee!” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- Embrace humility in the face of suffering to foster spiritual growth.
- Regularly examine your heart to identify areas needing God's refining touch.
- Support others in their trials by being tender and thoughtful.