"Nevertheless!" 

Job's statement in 17.9 announces his resoluteness. Our spiritual strength grows in proportion to our determination.

Job's assertion in verse 8 that "upright men are appalled" at his appearance and state of being is followed by one of my favorite words, "Nevertheless..."

"Nevertheless..." the word indicating 'no matter!' comes across the stage of thousands of years as a thin, somewhat melancholic - yet steeled with determination, word of proclamation to those listening. It's as though Job, and all others who have been misunderstood, chided, ridiculed, overlooked and avoided are lining up behind Paul saying we, too, have been "hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."

 Paul, later in the same chapter (2Cor 4) went on to quote the old 'Hallel' saying, "I believed; therefore I have spoken." What a fantastic statement of declaration in the face of opposition! There have always been people who would attempt to cower others with put-downs, sarcasm, condemnation, and belittling statements.

Paul shouts, 'don't lose heart!' He and Job, David and Joseph would adamantly encourage you to not roll over. Don't be crushed, don't be overwhelmed, don't despair, don't give up, don't give in. You have believed...so speak up! Shout out the "Nevertheless" of your own heart!

That precious Hallel of Psalms 116 starts out with the face lifted toward heaven, the arms thrown wide to the side, the voice reaching to the hills, "I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry..."

"Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living. I believed; therefore I said..."

Speak up!! Sing, I love you Lord and I lift my voice to worship you, O my soul, rejoice...

You have believed, don't be silent. Don't be discouraged, be determined!