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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I exalt your name today. Contrary to Elihu’s claims, you are not distant and removed from my trials and concerns, you are not silent and withdrawn when I cry out to you, and you are not so high and lofty that I cannot turn to you. Indeed, you said, “For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly” (Ps 138:6), and “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28). Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you told me about young Elihu’s last two speeches to Job. Elihu repeated his earlier claim: God uses suffering to turn people from their sin (Job 36:5–15). This is true, but Elihu misapplied this truth to Job. He believed that Job’s suffering proved he had sinned (Job 36:16–21). Elihu then gave eloquent descriptions of your power as seen in the thunderstorm and the icy blasts of winter (Job 36:22–37:13). Elihu’s point was: God is so far above you, Job. It’s ridiculous to want to plead your case to God (Job 37:19–20). This shows me how bad theology misrepresents who you are and drives people away from you, rather than drawing them closer and building them up in the faith (cf. Job 35:1–8). When you emphasize your power and greatness, you do so in order to show the world that you are the one true God (cf. Isa 45:5–8). You want everyone to turn to you and be saved (Isa 45:21–22). Reflection One thing Elihu got right was that you are sovereign over all things. You are in control, and you direct, preserve and maintain your created order. Although I can’t see it, you are also divinely governing in the affairs of men as well. If you uphold the universe by your powerful word, then I can certainly trust you to uphold my life in a world of turmoil and uncertainty. Request Father, help me to turn my wonder at your creation into a certainty that you will work all things after the counsel of your marvelous will. If there’s anyone I can trust without reservation, it’s you! Thanksgiving Thank you for the assurance that “the Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (Ps 145:18). I’m so grateful for the promise that if I draw near to you, you will draw near to me (James 4:8). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” by Helen Lemmel. Meditation Verse: Job 37:24.