June 8. Job 38
Let’s quickly recap poor Job’s life. He was a great guy. Pretty wealthy, with great kids who all seemed to get along and liked to even have their meals together. He did nothing wrong to deserve all that happened to him. In fact, the Bible lets us in on the reason why bad – very bad – things happened to Job: Satan asked permission to hurt Job, to prove Job only liked God for what God gave him. Job lost all his kids, his possessions and even his health. He had boils all over him and wished to die but couldn’t. And yet Job still honored God. I’m always challenged by this book of the Bible. Do I love God so much that even if all I had was taken from me, I could still declare that He is good? Because … He is good. No matter what. And He knows what He is doing, even when I don’t like it.
Our passage today comes at the end of this book, when Job finally gets an answer from God as he begs to know WHY all these horrific things happened to him. Even in Job’s extreme sorrow, he ran toward God and asked the hard questions. The answer he got is surprising. It’s not tidy. It does not make sense out of the suffering in a way that satisfies our human minds. Yet, it helps us see God’s vastness in full display and like Job, we shut our mouths realizing we know so little of His master plan. It’s one of the most magnificent passages in all the Bible. If you have time, read the whole of God’s response and Job’s final response back: Chapters 39-42. Incredible!
For now, let’s just sit in awe for a while. God made everything. He is all powerful. He is larger and wiser and stronger and more grand than our minds can fathom. And this big, huge God loves you and me. And He’s already told us that the end of the story for all who believe in Him is GOOD. Heaven will be larger and more grand than our minds can fathom. And we will be with the One who IS love and who will wipe every tear from our eyes. It ends well, friends. And even in the hard middle, we can run to God for comfort and reminders that He sees us and He cares.
My verse: Job 38:14 “As the light approaches, the earth takes shape like clay pressed beneath a seal; it is robed in brilliant colors [or .. its features stand out like folds in a robe.]”
My response: Such an amazing description of night turning into day! First, nothing can be seen, then shadows, and then the clarity of the sunshine! Every twig and blade of grass distinct. What a marvel each new dawn is, Lord! Thank You for this glorious description of the light. And thank You that You are light – revealing every crevice and every fold.
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Dear God, I can never comprehend Your vastness.
God, You alone are the creator of everything in the
heavens and on earth. You know all things and Your
thoughts are much higher than mine and your ways
are not the same as mine. May I continue to trust you in
every situation in my life even though I may suffer
adversity. For I know that in this present life I will have
difficulties and struggles. But if I continue to trust you,
I know You will help me endure even the hardest and
most difficult situations in my life. Thank You, God for
who You are! May I always remain humble before You.
In Jesus’ name. Amen
Of all the passages of the Bible, this one helps keep us humble, doesn’t it? He knows all things and we can trust Him. I love how you phrased it, Candie: “You will help me endure even the hardest and most difficult situations … ” He is able to do exactly that if we trust Him. AMen!