Job replied: “I’m not letting up—I’m standing my ground. My complaint is legitimate. God has no right to treat me like this— it isn’t fair! If I knew where on earth to find him, I’d go straight to him. I’d lay my case before him face-to-face, give him all my arguments firsthand. I’d find out exactly what he’s thinking, discover what’s going on in his head. Do you think he’d dismiss me or bully me? No, he’d take me seriously. He’d see a straight-living man standing before him; my Judge would acquit me for good of all charges.
I travel East looking for him—I find no one; then West, but not a trace; I go North, but he’s hidden his tracks; then South, but not even a glimpse. But he knows where I am and what I’ve done. He can cross-examine me all he wants, and I’ll pass the test with honors. I’ve followed him closely, my feet in his footprints, not once swerving from his way. I’ve obeyed every word he’s spoken, and not just obeyed his advice—I’ve treasured it.
But he is singular and sovereign. Who can argue with him? He does what he wants, when he wants to. He’ll complete in detail what he’s decided about me, and whatever else he determines to do. Is it any wonder that I dread meeting him? Whenever I think about it, I get scared all over again. God makes my heart sink! God Almighty gives me the shudders! I’m completely in the dark, I can’t see my hand in front of my face.” – Job 23 MSG
Have you yelled at your kids or raised your voice to your partner? Have you yelled at your boss? I have. If I am being consistently disrespected or feel like my voice is not being heard, I sometimes try saying it again a little louder. I am not saying this is the best approach or even a good way of communicating but sometimes you have to get someone’s attention and make your point. Must the person listen or do what you ask? No! But we have a deep desire to be heard.
Job wanted to be heard. I get it. I have been yelling into the void wondering if God hears me. I want to know I am heard. Like Job, I want to plead my case and discover what He is thinking. Things have been quite unfair for a long time. My biological children are dead. My company has imploded. Business ventures which were only available by His divine intervention have sucked tons of time from me with no return. My past several employments have promised a lot, delivered little to me, while others get rich. Like Job, I know God is in control and I am thankful for what I have. I know life is unfair and even though it might be nice if something went my way, what I really want, is to know I am heard.
Related Posts: Job Also Had A Broken Filter, My Not Strong, Unbrave New World
Photo by Devin Edwards on Unsplash
You sharing your heart here is a great blessing to me. It helps me to know that we all, no matter how strong, sometimes feel we need to know ‘’Why Father?” Job 1:22 is a great comfort to me. We can question and can even cry out, “It isn’t fair” and it’s not counted against us as sin. I am forever humbled by God’s grace.