Eyes on the Almighty

Some hold the view that if the opportunity presented itself in person, they would have some rather pointed things to say to God.  They relish the idea of giving God a piece of their mind over trials or troubles they pin on Him.  In the midst of his affliction, Job thought along these lines.  This righteous man of faith said in Job 13:20-22:  "Only two things do not do to me, then I will not hide myself from You: ²¹ withdraw Your hand far from me, and let not the dread of You make me afraid. ²² Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, then You respond to me."  Job desired an opportunity to present his case to God and be heard, yet when God revealed Himself and began to ask Job questions instead, his views changed dramatically.

God used imagery from the world to show His supremacy over all.  Workmen measured and laid foundations of building, but where was Job when God created and established the earth?  Midwives knew the breaking of water meant the delivery of a baby had commenced, but what did they know about the waters bursting forth upon the earth?  They closed and locked gates to their cities, but could they lock the roaring waves of the sea?  They swaddled infants in clothes yet God swaddled the earth with water and clouds.  People know their way around town and God made a path for thunderbolts in heaven above.  The combative, defensive posture of Job softened under the barrage of questions he could not answer, and he (and we!) are reminded God is almighty, powerful, wise and awesome.

The God who made ears, shall He not hear?  The God who made eyes, shall He not see?  The God who gave us understanding, shall He not know?  Our capacity to hear, see and know is limited, but God's abilities are infinite.  There is no question a man can ask that stumps God, and just because we are overwhelmed and do not know what to do does not mean He is ever in such a state.  He is God, and we are not, and it is a good thing to keep this ever in our minds.  Should our problems or pains make God's power or love seem insignificant, it is we who need to be reminded of God and all He has promised.  The God who gave us mouths and the ability to communicate has spoken and speaks to us today.

When Judah was invaded by enemies, king Jehoshaphat sought the LORD and cried out to Him in 2 Chronicles 20:12-13, "O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You." ¹³ Now all Judah, with their little ones, their wives, and their children, stood before the LORD."  The king and all his people united to draw near to the LORD who was faithful to hear and deliver them from trouble.  Solomon said there is a time for every purpose under heaven, and the invading armies prompted Jehoshaphat and the people to seek God, bring their petitions before Him and look to Him for deliverance.  Fear led to great rejoicing and abundance, and this is what only God is able to accomplish by His grace.  Jehoshaphat cried out to God, stopped talking and received the answer from the mouth of the LORD by the prophet.  Praise God in Him we find rest for our souls.