Job 29

"Oh, that I were as in the months of old, as in the days when God watched over me …” (v1). Job longed for “the old days” when he was healthy and in his prime (v2). He remembered when people respected him and were glad to see him coming, and he had so much wealth that he blessed others (v8-13). Now he was no longer powerful, or admired, or praised; he was either ignored or pitied – a sufferer like those he used to help.

“I was a father to the needy …” (v16). We all prefer being the strong ones. However, difficult circumstances cause us to admit our own “neediness” and open our own hands and hearts for grace.