ODJ: unfathomable—yet intimate

October 16, 2014 

READ: Job 38:1-12 

Have you ever commanded the morning to appear and caused the dawn to rise in the east? (v.12).

I fell at work recently and hurt my leg. Since I make my living largely in the outdoors, I need to be healthy in order to provide for my family. So when the setback occurred, I realised the serious potential financial consequences we were facing.

Later, feeling sorry for myself, I limped painfully out into the woodland by my home—taking my dog for a walk. Suddenly, I took in a whole host of sights: the bounding athleticism of my pup, the chattering woodpecker above us, the changing autumnal leaves shrouding my view of the lake, and the far off, jagged mountains. Beauty was everywhere!

In chapters 38-39 of Job, God thunders back at Job’s attempts to explain Him and His ways. “Who is this . . . ? Where were you . . . ? Have you ever . . . ?” (Job 38:2,4,12). His chastening of Job didn’t focus on His actions or the circumstances, but presented His overwhelming, unfathomable power and authority (vv.8-11).

Finally, Job confessed, ”I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me” (42:3). He then fell silent in humility before his Creator. The answer to adversity was in God’s character rather than His actions.

God tells us plainly that His ways are too complex for us to grasp (Isaiah 55:8-9). Following Him is the way of trust, obedience and faith (see Hebrews 11), rather than trying to figure Him out (Proverbs 3:5-6). Accepting this, we’re then free to receive the great comfort He offers. For He has all things under His control, from the channels of the sea to our daily needs (Matthew 6:30).

When life goes wrong, rest in the One who formed the seas and who is for us (Romans 8:31). He may be unfathomable, but He is with you! —Russell Fralick

365-day plan› Acts 7:1-29