Today’s Reading, Job 21-23
Focal Scripture: Job 23:3 “If only I knew how to find him, so that I could go to his throne.”
Have you ever looked for something but couldn’t find it no matter how hard you tried? I have a close friend that loses everything they have all the time. This person will lose their wallet and have no idea where it is when they need it the most. This person will even lose their keys and will frantically search for them so they can use their vehicle. At times it is funny to watch because you know sometime in a conversation they will lose something important to them before the day is done. This individual will look and even recruit others to help him to find items he laid down several moments prior.
In today’s reading Job is searching for the Lord in his distress. Job than makes a very insightful statement. He says “if I only knew how to find him, so that I could go to his throne.” Job wanted to be at the throne of God but couldn’t find his way. Job was probably distraught by grief, confused by his friends who were trying to comfort him every day. More than likely overwhelmed by his wife who wanted him to curse God and die. Job wanted relief from God but couldn’t find him because his circumstances were winning.
Before you get to judgmental on the question Job asked, remember that we are just as guilty. Think about the times in your life where you sought the Lord and he seemed non existent or extremely far away. If you have never been through that I would love to have a conversation with you about your faith and your thinking. Why? Because personally I have been so overwhelmed and desperate for God, it seemed no matter how hard I tried I could not find or be comforted by the presence of the Lord. That feeling at times has almost broken me and been extremely burdensome.
I know biblically that the Lord will never leave me or forsake me in my life. I also know he hears my prayers. I know I can’t hide from his presence no matter how hard I try. However, that doesn’t mean I always have perfect faith and deep faith in how he is going to move and work in my life.
So how can we overcome that feeling of doubt and frustration when we seek the Lord? The answer is faith and trust. I know that seems like a copout, but it really is the best answer. To overcome doubt when God seems far away, we must have faith in his goodness and his sovereignty. We must trust that he makes no mistakes, no matter what we experience. Even when we look for the Lord we have to know he is always on his throne. Keep looking for the Lord because he is exactly where he promised. On his throne and in complete control.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Job 24-28
