I think there are many times when we forget the greatness of God and how He works in all of creation. As Creator and Sustainer, He upholds every aspect of creation with His sovereign hand, and yet, there are times, when we underestimate this essential truth. We, for many reasons, speak as if God is distant, uncaring, and even apathetic to our life circumstances and even the lives of those around us and dear to our hearts.
There are times, also, when we want to blame God. This is merely an extension of the problem when we want to minimize the greatness of God. God is more than apathetic; He is actually working against us. This only leaves us feeling hopeless and helpless and asking the question, “Why?”
More often than not it’s easier to dismiss and blame than it is to trust. At the heart of the issues is not God and who He is and how He works in creation; it is a matter of our hearts and how we respond to difficult, challenging situations and circumstances. This is not meant to diminish the detrimental situations in which many find themselves; this post is meant to encourage everyone in the midst of suffering to examine their hearts and how we all respond to those trying situations.
Listen to how Job responds after losing wealth, land, cattle, and more importantly, his family… all of them! “Why did I not die at birth, come out from the womb and expire? (Job 3:11 ESV)” Or in verse 18, he says, “Or why was I not as a hidden stillborn child, as infants who never see the light?” Job experienced so much pain, through tremendous loss, that he considered his very existence worthless.
How many people who are suffering right now can relate to these very words? Modern psychology can attribute a certain diagnosis to these words and feelings and probably prescribe a particular medication to help “ease” the pain, but the emotions are still there. The pain is still there, and Job demonstrates that it is right and important to have and experience them!
Throughout the discourse of the book, we see Job’s struggle to understand his circumstances and where God is in the midst of this. People all around are telling him to curse God for what He [God] has done, but Job knows that God’s plans are bigger than his current circumstances.
After many chapters, God responds to Job in a very unique way. He challenges Job’s infinite knowledge. The Lord says,
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? (Job 38:4-7)”
These verses in Job serve to demonstrate the majesty of God and how we are limited in our comprehension of Him and how the Lord works in all creation.
The last chapter in the book begins with words we should all utter in times of despair. Job says,
“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know… (Job 42:1-3)”
The Lord then restores all that he possessed and more. Job remained faithful during the most difficult time in his life.
Job’s life characterizes our life as well. Though we may not lose as much as Job (or gain as much back), our hearts are burdened by the pain of loss and despair. We feel the weightiness of sin and how it impacts the world, God’s creation including us. Rather than cursing God and turning from Him, use difficult times to reflect on His goodness and faithfulness, knowing that He will deliver you from the pit of despair for He is faithful to His promises. It is in Christ that we gain more than anything this world has to offer; we gain eternal life through the sacrifice of God Himself!