Today’s Reading, Job 29-31
Focal Scripture: Job 30:21 “You have turned against me with cruelty; you harass me with your strong hand.”
I am by nature a question asker. When I say that, it is difficult to put into words unless you have experienced it from me personally. I long to know why things are done the way they are by people. In addition, I want to know how things are done because my curiosity pushes me in that direction. Unfortunately, my question asking can cross lines. It can seem disrespectful and at times question the character of the person I am talking with. Not only have I done this with people, I have also done this with God.
In today’s reading Job has defended himself to his friends. He has justified himself before the Lord. Now he accuses the Lord of dealing with him in a cruel fashion. He even says that the Lord harasses him with a strong hand. Job is outright telling the Lord that his ways and his character are questionable. He calls into question the Lords dealings in his life. Job is doubting the sovereignty of the most holy one.
I am not to hard on Job in this moment. Why? Because if people judged me on what I have said to the Lord in my weakest moments, it would not go well for me. I have questioned his sovereignty. I have accused God of being difficult and overbearing. I have been overwhelmed with frustration on why the wicked prosper and I have suffered. I have lodged accusations against the Lord and told him he has dealt with me unfairly. I have even attempted at giving God the silent treatment.
However, none of those actions solved my problem. They actually made them worse. What brought me out of the despair and accusations? A poignant wake up call. This has taken place from the Lord himself and even others that I am close with in my personal life. I had to be reminded that my questioning God is futile. Me challenging his character is problematic to say the least.
I encourage you today to ask your questions to the Lord. When you do remember who you are speaking to and with. His character is perfect. He doesn’t make mistakes. He knows the hearts and minds of all people. We are not able to stand in his presence much less question him personally.
Be inquisitive but not sinful. Job is about to learn whose character he has challenged.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Job 32-34
