Job 23: 1-9
Then Job replied.
Even today my complaint is bitter; his hand is heavy in spite of my groaning. If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling! I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. I would find out what he would answer me, and consider what he would say. Would he oppose me with great power? No, he would not press charges against me. Then an upright man could present his case before him, and I would be delivered forever from my judge. But if I go to the east, he is not there; if go to the west, I do not find him. When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him.
A Thought
Have you ever had a time when you have called out to God in deep need? Sometimes when we call to God, we feel God’s presence and he answers right away. Sometimes….well, sometimes it is as if there is no God to be found, and our plea goes unheard. Very few of us have reached the desperate condition Job is now in. His friend, Eliphaz the Temanite, has just accused him of being unrighteous to explain why God has permitted him to lose his 7 sons, 3 daughters, 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 1,000 oxen, 500 donkeys and to lose his status of being one of the greatest men of the East. Job answers with if only I could find God and argue my case, I would consider what he would say, but where is God? God was not punishing Job. God was testing Job while building even greater character in him. Always know that God is near and we can trust him. He is always looking out for our good in all things.
Our Prayer
Father, help us to see and trust you even when we do not see or feel you. Help us to fill the darkness with the light of your word. Help us to remember that when we do not give up, joy comes in the morning. We ask in Jesus name. Amen.
