Of Few Days

Readings:
Job 14
I Corinthians 9:19-27

Focus:
Job 14:1-2a: "Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble. He blossoms like a flower and withers away."

Johannes Brahms used these poignant words as part of his gorgeous German Requiem. Set to his lovely harmonies, these words always make me think.

It is true that, as the saying goes, "life is hard, and then you die." Sometimes it seems like there is no point. We just struggle through our short lives and find no reason for all our troubles.

Thanks to God that he does provide us a reason! He has a purpose for us that we may not understand. But since God is the epitome of goodness and justice, we can know that in the end, all will be good and right. Things may feel hard now, but we are heading towards a glorious ending when our life is over. And when we turn to him, God is there to comfort and sustain us as we go on our way.

Brahms also used these words, from Psalm 126: those who go forth weeping will return rejoicing.