PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Job 41-42
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“You have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has.” (Job 42:7)
For some reason, God is pleased with how Job spoke about Him.
Which is odd, because the last few chapters God has rebuked him.
It seems that God can take our wrestling with faith and doubt.
It makes me think that God prefers honest struggle over pious platitudes.
Job wrestled with God, like Jacob wrestled with God’s angel.
He refused to let go until he received God’s blessing (Genesis 32:26-28).
Through biblical history, God has honoured this wrestling faith.
Think of the Psalms, which are very honest and real with God.
Job’s friends represent religion, Job represents real relationship.
Too often Christians sound more like Job’s friends than Job.
We wrestle with tough questions, and yet we offer packaged answers.
I admit it, I am a questioner and doubter of textbook answers.
And I am OK when people hold answers that are different from mine.
One day we’ll all say, “I spoke of things I did not understand.” (42:3)
PRAYER
Lord, it seems that honest struggling that refuses to let go is the kind of ‘truth’ you want from us. May this be the way I speak about you!
“things too wonderful for me to know” – I don’t understand and I don’t expect to understand God’s omnipotent and beyond all human reason ways – like Job, they are too awesome too wonderful. There is tremendous comfort in knowing that God is gracious and considerate – Job was honest with God – and so must I. Yes, I may struggle – but be patient and God will see me through. I’m not neglected or ignored – but the trials will still come but God will see me through. Mold me, melt me and make me better each day Lord Jesus!
“who has a claim against me that I must pay”
Lord we thank you for your grace and mercy – that though we had no claim and did not deserve it, you paid with the blood of your son for us.
Job prayed for his children.
Job prayed for his friends.
Job took his concerns to God. Struggles with Him and did not let go.
I need to take all my concerns to the Lord in prayer. He is the answer.
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.