In Job, chapter twenty-nine, verse two, the servant of God persevered in his desire for the communion with God that he had once known. Job longed for God’s special care and protection, as in Numbers six, verses twenty-four through twenty-six, Psalms ninety-one, verse eleven, and chapter one-hundred and twenty-one, verses seven to eight, respectively. God’s light to show him the way in the dark or difficult circumstances, as in verse three of this chapter. God’s intimate fellowship and love, as in verses four through five and Proverbs three, verses thirty-two. God’s grace to help him do good, as in verses twelve through seventeen, and God’s wisdom to share with others, as in verses twenty-one through twenty-five, accordingly.
He offers what God was to Job to those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, as in John fifteen, verse fifteen, Romans eight, verses one, thirty-one, thirty-three, Second Thessalonians three verse three, and First Peter three, verse thirteen.
Through God’s withdrawal from him, job proceeds to remember his former prosperity with his present misery. A gracious soul delights in God’s smiles, not in the smiles of this world. Four things that were pleasant to Job were confidence in the Divine protection and enjoyment he had of the Divine favor, communion with the Divine word, and assurance of the Divine presence.
God’s presence with a man in his house, though it is a cottage, makes it a castle and a palace. Then Job had comfort in his family. Riches and flourishing families, like a candle, may soon be extinguished. But when the mind is enlightened by the Holy Spirit, when a man walks in the light of God’s countenance, every outward comfort is doubled, every trouble is diminished, and he may pass cheerfully by this light through life and death. Yet the sensible comfort of this state is often withdrawn for a season, and commonly this arises from sinful neglect, and grieving the Holy Spirit: sometimes it may be a trial of a man’s faith and grace. But it is to examine ourselves, to seek the cause of such a change by fervent prayer, and to increase our watchfulness.