“Behold, I go forward, but He is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive Him; on the left hand when He is working, I do not behold Him; He turns to the right hand, but I do not see Him.”
Job 23:8-9
Job complains that in his suffering he can’t see or feel or perceive God. His prayers don’t seem to be answered. He wants to know why God has allowed all of this to happen to him but God isn’t saying anything.
Yet even as he complains, he tells us that he knows better. He says, “But He knows the way that I take; when He has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” (Job 23:10)
Job trusts God, knowing that whether he understands it or not, whether he sees the answers he wants or not, God hears and sees him. God hasn’t abandoned him. It’s all a refining process, and he will come out of it approved, by God’s grace.
His attitude toward God’s Word hasn’t changed either: “I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my portion of food.” (Job 23:12)
Even when it hurts, even when you can’t feel Him, even when you don’t understand what’s happening or why, God is faithful. He keeps His promises, and He will fulfill His purpose in your life. You can trust Him.
Lord God, I trust You. I don’t understand everything and sometimes I don’t understand anything, but I know that You are my Father in Heaven, my sins have been forgiven for Jesus‘ sake and I can safely trust in You. Keep me close today. Amen.
Pastor Dan Giles