Honesty is an attitude or character that is not only directed at the relationship between ourselves and others, but can also be interpreted as an attitude dimension related to the appreciation of one's existence. We are also often dishonest about our own condition or what we really feel. Saying that we are fine, when we need a friend or companion to listen to our complaints. Even concealing our existence and heart's desire before God in our prayers. Isn't being honest and real much better than trying to cover up what is really going on.

The book of Job 7:11-15, features Job's prayer to God. He prays honestly about the injustice, rejection, suffering, and hardship he has experienced. He honestly spoke in the distress of his soul and complained in pain. He felt how his life had become unfree as if he was being guarded all the time. Just when he thought the night would cool down and his suffering would lessen, he was startled by dreams and shocked by fantasies. It was like someone who had a high fever and was hallucinating even in his dreams.

All this was enough for Job. He was fed up and asked to be left alone and unnoticed. Job did not expect help from God anymore, but he only wanted to be no longer hit by persistent suffering and to be able to breathe calmly because his life was no more than a breath. What Job expressed was different from the exclamations of the psalmists who wanted God's attention and constant supervision. Instead, Job was burdened with God's attention to test him at all times and asked how long it would last. That was Job's understanding of his suffering. Job even asked God to show him if he had sinned what his sin was before God. Although he remained convinced of his innocence. After all, Job felt that his life was temporary and would quickly pass like a breath.

Job's words may sound unusual to us. But that is the honesty of heart before God that is built through prayer. The Israelites understood that their relationship with God was a living and dynamic one, so complaints and questions to God were a necessity. Perhaps we too have been afflicted by various sufferings and struggles. May today's reading remind us to face whatever happens in life with honesty before God. A living relationship with God enables us to look forward to the future even when it seems as if all roads are closed to us.