Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:6-9.

As I read our chapter, Job 34, I was struck again by the many words. The Book of Job is unique in that it is all dialogue. Think of how many conversations we humans have had about God over the ages of men. Job is a window into the thoughts we have about who God is and why He does what He does and doesn’t do what we cry out for when we are faced with suffering and evil. And Elihu continues…Hear my words, you wise men; listen to me, you men of learning. For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food. Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good. v. 2-4. Discern for myself what is right? I want to learn together with God what is good. Far be it from God to do evil, from the Almighty to do wrong…It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice…Can someone who hates justice govern?…Suppose someone says to God, ‘I am guilty but will offend no more. Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.’ Should God then reward you on your terms, when you refuse to repent? v. 10, 12, 17, 31, 32, 33. Can someone who hates justice govern? Yes. We humans have the remarkable capacity to choose evil and cause great harm to ourselves and others. And then…we blame God. 

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:4-5. Because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors…for he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Isaiah 53:12. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber. Psalm 121:1-3. When I am in distress I turn to God and He comforts me. The words of men, so many words, do not bring me comfort. Learning about the love of our Creator God – Father, Son, Spirit – brings me comfort no reasonings of mankind can bring…teach me what I cannot see.  My help and comfort comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth, who created all we see and made us in His image and likeness. He will teach me and comfort me at the same time…because it is His truth that brings the comfort of understanding we long for deep within. The truth of His love is so beautiful and is there for you and me. Seek Him…He is near…always. Look deep into His word as you ask Him to guide you toward understanding and let the peace of His Presence enfold you. We are His and He is ours. Thank You, Lord, for so great a Love.