Many a night do we have, nights of sorrow, nights of persecution, nights of doubt, nights of bewilderment, nights of affliction, nights of anxiety, nights of all kinds which press upon our spirits and terrify our souls. Yet in the night we sing of God and of God alone. Truly, God did but display the skirts of His robe and unveil a part of His ways, but therein is so much of ineffable glory. O child of God, if you are to suffer as much as Job suffered, if you get to see the Lord with a spiritually enlightened eye, you may be thankful for the sorrowful process! When the Lord has distinct and definite purposes of mercy towards an individual, He often begins with stern discipline and brings him low by affliction and sorrow.
There is the question of fear: “Will he plead against me with his great power?” And then the answer of faith: “No, but he will put strength in me.” Should trials come, even like those which happened to Job, it shall be well with our souls if our hearts are not drawn or driven into sin. The hour of darkness is an hour of danger. Suffering is fruitful soil for certain forms of sin, and we are even tempted to rebellion against God. Yet in all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
You long to hear that dear laugh and see your son happy and healthy. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy. Sympathy is especially a Christian's duty. Is it not a natural yearning, this desire to witness mirth in your own household? And yet know this: when delivered from going down into the pit, his flesh shall be fresher than a child's, he shall return to the days of his youth. So the Psalmist celebrates the loving kindness of the Lord.
I found that I could not comfort her with the past, so I reminded her of the golden streets, of the gates of pearl, of the walls of jasper, of the harps of gold, of the songs of bliss. And then her eyes glistened as she said, “Yes, I shall be there soon.” There is no right to the least of God's mercies, but they come through the channel of Divine Grace alone. As long as I am out of Hell, I have no right to grumble. If the death of Christ do not teach thee thy need of a Saviour, then what remedy remains for a heart so hard, for a soul so blind as thine?
But here is your true business: the Lord turned again the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends. Intercessory prayer was the omen of his returning greatness. It was the bow in the cloud, the dove bearing the olive branch, the voice of the turtle announcing the coming summer. You have asked for prayer for husband and son. Now stand at the gate and pray for them yourself, pleading the name of Jesus. Pray for your husband’s burden, pray for your lad’s health and joy. As you do this, may the Lord turn your own captivity of fear into the liberty of trust. May your glory be fresh in you, and may you hear that longed-for laughter as a token of mercies both present and eternal.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, so that I can trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. 
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