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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You are the God who answered Job out of a whirlwind! You alone were there in the beginning of time. You laid the foundations of the earth and set the boundaries of the sea. The weather is under your control and by your command the stars revolve in their orbits. You know all things and no purpose of yours can be thwarted. I worship you today, and praise your name! Today in Your Word Today you told me about your questioning of Job. You began by asking him about the creation of the earth and the weather. You concluded by asking him about the animals, with special attention given to the Behemoth, the fiercest land animal, and the Leviathan, the most terrifying sea creature. Your questions were not meant to belittle or demean Job. Rather, they were designed to help him focus on several key truths: 1) you are God, the creator; I am man, the created, 2) you were there in the beginning; I was not, 3) you are all-knowing and all-powerful; I am powerless and ignorant before you. The proper response to these truths is humility, reverence and awe, and that’s exactly how Job reacted (Job 42:1–6). You gave Job a precious gift. You gave him a personal, intimate experience of your majestic presence. Being in your presence was more than enough for Job: “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you” (Job 42:5). After you had spoken with Job, you restored his fortune, and his end was more blessed than his beginning. “And Job died, an old man, and full of days” (Job 42:17). Reflection How easy it is to allow the trials and troubles of my life to cloud out the beauty of your presence. I can become so focused on my circumstances that I forget who rules the wind and the sea (cf. Mark 4:35–41). Request Father, help me to remain steadfast in suffering and patient in times of trial. Keep my heart and mind focused on your goodness: “You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful” (James 5:11). Thanksgiving Thank you for the many blessings you have given me! Job reminds me that every good thing I have is from you, and that you desire to bless me and conform me to the image of your Son. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Day by Day” by Lina Sandell. Meditation Verse: Job 42:10. |