Today is October 7.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Job, chapter 8.


20 “Surely God does not reject one who is blameless or strengthen the hands of evildoers. 21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. 22 Your enemies will be clothed in shame, and the tents of the wicked will be no more.”


This is a word of encouragement and strengthening to Job, who experienced unimaginable suffering and loss. We all experience suffering and loss in life. As we begin our reflection today, call to mind your own suffering and loss. What is a loss that comes to mind as you think about something that you’ve lost or an experience where you’ve suffered harm. Take a moment and consider how the place of suffering or lost impacted you. What did it do to you spiritually, psychologically, physically, relationally?

Sometimes our past can feel overwhelming. We don’t want to face our pain or loss because it’s too difficult. Sometimes we minimize it, thinking, Well, at least I’m not Job. But in the Bible pain isn’t minimized. And at the same time pain isn’t futile. Over and over again the scriptures offer us hope in the midst of our struggles. As you hear the passage again, can you allow the hope of God to begin to fill your soul?

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter. I love to laugh. People tell me all the time that they know I’m coming because they can hear my laugh. It’s a great antidote, and it’s a promise of God to those who are in pain. You will laugh again. Weeping endures the night but joy and laughter in the morning. As you go through your day today, ask God for moments of joy in your heart and laughter from your mouth.

Music: This Joy - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)