I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul. – Job 10:1

Today's Scripture Reading (August 21, 2024): Job 10

American Democratic politician Cori Bush lost her bid for re-election in August 2024, beaten out for the nomination for her seat by another Democrat. I don't understand contested nomination bids for a sitting politician most of the time. It seems to me that these contested fights for the party nomination only promote division at a time when the party needs unity.

However, in August 2024, Cori Bush was forced into a contested fight for the nomination for her seat, and Bush lost. As a result of the loss, Bush experienced a meltdown. One thing she mentioned to those who would listen was that this was not the end of the fight. As a representative of the Democratic Party, there were things that she couldn't do or say. But now those restrictions had been removed. Now, Bush maintained that she could say whatever she wanted, and no one had the authority to say, "Please don't say that." Of course, that is not entirely true. If Cori Bush ever hopes to regain her position in the American government, there would be things she shouldn't say, even if she felt she could. But it is a moment with which many of us can identify. When we lose a position or have been disqualified for something, we often feel that moment of release and the knowledge that it no longer matters what we say or do.

It is a moment that Job is feeling in his own life. He has lost everything. His friends insist that the reason he has lost everything is because he sinned against God. And at this moment, when the events seem so far out of his control, Job is experiencing a temptation to let his speech go. Nothing is left to lose, so there is no reason not to stand up and let everyone in on the unvarnished truth as Job sees it. Job has become desperate. His wife had told him to curse God and die; however, Job would not cross that line. But he will come close to it.

Job tells his friends that he hasn't even begun to complain about the unfairness of this world, one that allows Job to lose everything and yet preserves the lives of his friends. He will speak directly to God, not to his friends, for God is the only one who holds the answers to his questions.

And so, Job's real complaint begins.  

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Job 11