Appealing to God

Job had become weary. Each of his friends seemed to feel that he had important insights about his problems. But, to Job, their observations seemed obvious and not helpful. He stopping wanting to argue or hear them. All he wanted was for them to “be completely silent.” What he needed was to hear from God.

He sensed that his friends didn’t understand God as well as they thought. They were “worthless physicians.” He urged them to listen, instead of just talking: “Please hear my argument and listen to the contentions of my lips.”

He wondered how they would react when God confronted them, if they could “deceive Him as one deceives a man?” Instead of being confident, they would be terrified by “His majesty.” Their mouths had been filled with “memorable sayings” but God would prove that these were just “proverbs of ashes” and “defenses of clay.”

Frustrated by their subjective comments, Job turned to God. In spite of all he went through, he still revered God: “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him.” But he was determined to be honest with Him: “Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him.”

He longed for this personal encounter: “Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, then reply to me.” He asked God to reveal his “iniquities and sins,” and wondered why He had been hiding from him. Job felt as helpless as a “driven leaf” or the “dry chaff.”

Life changes when we have a personal relationship with God. When we truly know Him, not just know about Him. In your life, make Him the focal point of your life. Talk with Him. Ask Him questions. Listen to His voice. Read His Word.