“My harp plays sad music, and my flute accompanies those who weep” (Job 30:31 NLT)
The grief that covered Job like a cloud affected even his ear for music. The harp, a stringed instrument, was often employed by David to lighten the mood of King Saul. It was an instrument used in worship and in times of celebration. Yet, to Job’s ear, the vibration of the strings sounded mournful, vibrating at the frequency of his sorrowing soul. And the flute, a wind instrument, with its light, breathy lows and clear sparkling highs, was often heard accompanied by percussion at times of feasting. But to Job, the flute had become like a weeping human voice breathing out a dirge, perhaps reminding him of the times when his children enjoyed such feasts. Grief is like that. It darkens the sights and sounds of human perception, so that the spectrum of life’s color is reduced to gray.
The book of Job helps give vocabulary to our grief. Yet we must read to the end to find hope. For as believers, the apostle Paul teaches us that we need not grieve as those who have no hope (1 Thess. 4:13). For our hope is in Christ, the One who has defeated sin, death and the grave. We grieve the loss of loved ones, but we have hope in the resurrection of the dead because of Jesus.
PRAYER: Dear Father, this old world is filled with trouble, sorrow, and grief. Yet because of Jesus, we have hope. And because of Your Spirit, we are filled with joy. Comfort us in our griefs and give us extra grace, so that we may comfort others in Your name. Strengthen us to serve You today. In Jesus’ name, amen.