January 12, 2017. Job 32-34.

 

When Job couldn’t feel more misunderstood and maligned from his peers, a young man still “wet behind the ears” named Elihu steps up and piles on more accusations. Although Elihu has no more insight as to why these things are happening to Job than the former speakers, he does do one thing right:  He extolls the attributes of God that are irrefutable.  Elihu reminds us that God speaks and God can do no wrong.

Job 33:13-14

Why do you complain to him that he responds to no one’s words?

For God does speak—now one way, now another—

    though no one perceives it.

Job 34:13-15

It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice.

Who appointed him over the earth?  Who put him in charge of the whole world?

If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath, all humanity would perish together and mankind would return to the dust.

In the midst of suffering, sometimes the only thing you can hang on to is the truth you know about God.  Although what you know to be true about God may not be easily remembered or even at the forefront of your thoughts when you are going through difficult times, it is important that we rehearse His goodness and greatness even in our despair. 

God Speaks: Elihu makes this statement in Chapter 33:13-14 and then goes on through verse 30 to mention various ways that God may be speaking to us.  Sometimes it is in a gentle whisper to our spirit. Sometimes through His word. Sometimes it is through pain, or a dream, or another’s words. Sometimes through nature.  It is important that we ready ourselves to hear from God and be prepared to hear Him in ways He has never spoken to us before.  He will, however, never speak words that would conflict with what He has already spoken to us through His word in Scripture.  So be sure you always compare what you think God is telling you with the truth already found in His written word.

God does no wrong.  There is one phrase I hate to hear: “This is not fair”.  First of all I’m not sure why we think everything in life should be fair.  But this I do know:  God is good.  What we go through some times may not feel good and right, but we must never think that God is not good or that God would do wrong. 

By remembering just these 2 things that Elihu brought up in his speech to Job in the midst of trouble, we can be comforted and our thoughts can be set aright again.  Meditate on the wonderful attributes of God.  Trust that He never changes and there is no wickedness in Him.  Then trust Him in every situation you face. 

Previous Devotional - January 11