In Order. God Knows Everything
January 9, 2017. Job 21 - 23.
23:10 “But he (God) knows every detail of what is happening to me…” (TLB)
Job’s plight continues. In chapter 21 he addresses the lives of wicked people and the seemingly injustices that they are not suffering as the poor or innocent seem to suffer. In chapter 22 one of his friends is grasping at straws with ideas like, “well you must not have given water to someone that was thirsty”, in order to accuse and convince Job that he is being punished for his sins.
And Job? Well in chapter 23 once again all he wants is to have a conversation with God. He just wants to complain to Him. Job is horrified when he looks upon himself. This suffering has affected every layer of his being. His soul (mind, will and emotions) has been attacked. His body has been attacked. And ultimately his spirit is being attacked as well.
Here is where perhaps we can begin to see the key to understanding this book of tribulation. Look at these verses from chapter 23:
11 “I have stayed in God’s paths, following his steps. I have not turned aside. 12 I have not refused his commandments but have enjoyed them more than my daily food. 13 Nevertheless, his mind concerning me remains unchanged, and who can turn him from his purposes? Whatever he wants to do, he does. 14 So he will do to me all he has planned, and there is more ahead.
15 “No wonder I am so terrified in his presence. When I think of it, terror grips me. 16-17 God has given me a fainting heart; he, the Almighty, has terrified me with darkness all around me, thick, impenetrable darkness everywhere.” (TLB)
God loves Job. God is not punishing Job. That was never the purpose of Job’s suffering, remember chapters 1 and 2? But there is something in these last few verses that we all can acknowledge and apply – God is the Almighty! No matter how much you think you know of God, or how close you are to Him, or how good a relationship and walk that you may have with Him; there is still more to learn.
We can still be drawn closer to Him. There are still great mysteries of God and His character to be discovered and experienced. In all of this suffering, one thing that stays true for Job is that he wants to see God and talk to Him.
Do not run away from God in your pain. Do not turn your back on Him and get mad at Him because you do not understand His ways, but rather seek Him like you have never sought Him before. He sees you. He knows what is happening to you and He has a plan. Draw closer to Him. If something is blocking or hindering your relationship with God, destroy it, remove it. Put your life in order.