Job 6:13

Is there any help within me now that success is driven from me?

Study Bible

Is there any help within me
Job expresses a deep sense of helplessness and despair. This phrase reflects his internal struggle and the feeling of being abandoned by God. In the broader context of the Book of Job, Job's friends have failed to provide him with comfort or understanding, leaving him to question his own resources and strength. This sentiment echoes the human condition of seeking divine assistance when personal strength is insufficient, as seen in Psalm 121:1-2, where the psalmist looks to the Lord for help.

now that success is driven from me?
Job acknowledges the loss of his former prosperity and status. Historically, Job was a man of great wealth and influence, as described in Job 1:3. The cultural context of the Ancient Near East placed significant value on material success as a sign of divine favor. Job's lament highlights the reversal of his fortunes, which he perceives as a divine act. This situation foreshadows the suffering of Christ, who, despite being the Son of God, experienced rejection and loss (Philippians 2:7-8). Job's experience serves as a type of Christ's own suffering and ultimate vindication.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing immense suffering and loss.

2. Uz
The land where Job lived. It is often associated with the region east of Israel, though its exact location is uncertain.

3. Job's Suffering
The context of this verse is Job's lamentation over his suffering, having lost his wealth, children, and health.

Teaching Points

Acknowledging Human Limitations
Job's question highlights the reality of human frailty. We must recognize our limitations and the need for divine strength.

Dependence on God
In times of distress, believers are encouraged to rely on God rather than their own abilities, as human strength is often insufficient.

The Role of Faith in Suffering
Job's lamentation invites believers to explore the role of faith during trials, understanding that faith does not eliminate suffering but provides a framework for enduring it.

The Search for Meaning
Job's experience encourages believers to seek God's purpose in their suffering, trusting that God is sovereign even when circumstances are dire.

Community Support
Job's isolation in his suffering reminds us of the importance of community and support from fellow believers during difficult times.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Job's expression of helplessness in Job 6:13 resonate with your own experiences of feeling overwhelmed or unsupported?

2. In what ways can Psalm 121 provide comfort and assurance when you feel that "success is driven from you"?

3. How can Paul's message in 2 Corinthians 12:9 about God's grace being sufficient help you reframe your understanding of personal strength and divine support?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt your own strength was insufficient. How did you experience God's provision or presence during that time?

5. How can the church community play a role in supporting individuals who, like Job, feel that they have no help within themselves? What practical steps can you take to be a source of support for others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 121
This Psalm speaks of looking to the Lord for help, contrasting Job's feeling of helplessness with the assurance of divine assistance.

2 Corinthians 12:9
Paul speaks of God's grace being sufficient, which can be seen as a New Testament parallel to Job's struggle with understanding his own strength and God's role in his suffering.

Isaiah 40:29-31
These verses speak of God giving strength to the weary, offering hope and a reminder of divine support even when personal strength fails.