Joy
The exulting of the wicked is short, and the joy of the godless but for a moment. (Job 20:5)
Job 20:4-5; Psalm 73:12, 16-19; Psalm 16:11; John 15:11
What Is God Saying?
With a friend like Zophar, who needs enemies? He launches a tirade against Job. He suggests Job brought it on himself. He says, ‘You got what was coming to you. So sorry,’ or is he? Zophar speaks ex-cathedra, like a self-appointed vicar of God. He says if Job gets his act together, things will fall into place.
Amid this lecture from a high pulpit, Zophar has one correct statement, ‘the exulting of the wicked is short and the joy of the godless but for a moment.’
How Does This Apply To Us?
There is a significant difference between the short-lived joy of the godless and the deeply grounded joy of those who know Christ. One is but a fleeting illusion of well-being; the other is a calm assurance that ‘in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose’ (Romans 8:28). The joy of the godless is only the interval that comes between periods of unhappiness; the other is learning with Paul, ‘in whatever state I am, to be content, knowing how to be abased and how to abound; in any circumstances’ (Phil. 4:11).
We can grow restless and even envy the wicked who are ‘always at ease and increasing in riches.’ Trying to understand why it happens is a ‘wearisome task’ (Psalm 73:16), but you should see it as God sees it from the vantage point of eternity, and you will have it in proper perspective. 'Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I perceived their end. They are set in slippery places; they are destroyed in a moment. Truly the exulting of the wicked is short.’
Pray With Me
Eternal God, only in Your presence is there fullness of joy. Only at Your right hand are there pleasures forevermore. Help me always to see through the ephemeral ‘triumph of the wicked.’ Down that path, so much is promised and so little delivered. ‘The joy of the godless’ is a mask with a painted grin, a covering for a tear-stained face, and a pretence that all is well when all is hell.
In contrast to this, O Living God, I seek only the triumph of Christ: His triumph over me and His triumph through me. This is the satisfaction that endures. This is the hope that never disappoints. I choose to lay hold on the deep-rooted joys of a righteous life. Such joy is not for the moment. It is moment by moment forever.
I have no claim upon such triumph. I have no reason to hope for such joy. It is mine only through Your righteousness, given by grace and received by faith. I have no other hope. I make no other claim. I affirm that the exultation and the joy of those in Christ will endure forever.
To the glory and through the love of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.
Moving On In The Life Of Prayer
Joy is not something we do but something Christ has done, something He is and wants to share to the full. Joy is a foundation that will hold us up tomorrow and tomorrow. Joy is based on a relationship that will carry us to eternity beyond tomorrow.
