December 2, 2011

Job 24 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
John 15:5-8, Revelation 1:9-20, Hosea 3-4

Journal Entry

Scripture

Job 24:1, 12 - 1 “Why are not times of judgment kept by the Almighty, and why do those who know him never see his days?...12 From out of the city the dying groan, and the soul of the wounded cries for help; yet God charges no one with wrong."

Observation

In verses 1-17, Job is greatly troubled by Almighty God’s seeming apathy towards sin. Job observes theft, mistreatment of the poor, murder, and adultery, among a long list of sins, but God seems oblivious to them all. This disturbed Job all the more because he was suffering for no apparent offense while others, who sinned blatantly, got off scot-free. So, Job doubts. However, in verses 18-25, Job eventually comes to his senses and realizes that although the wicked seem to be getting away with sin, God does eventually judge them.

Application

What am I supposed to do when life does not seem to match up with who God says He is? Like Job, I’ve often wondered why God allows the innocent to endure prolonged suffering and why he permits the evildoer continued success in his evil. In my human mind, this is unbecoming of a loving, Almighty God. I think of Sandusky’s successful torment of young boys for decades and his young victims’ agony all those years. I think of my own childhood and the painful memories I still harbor today as an adult. I admit, I scratch my head.

So, again, what am I supposed to do when the circumstances in my life do not match up to what I know to be true about God? Am I do deny my doubts? Must I suppress my questions? No. I should follow Job’s example and take my doubts and questions to God and voice them freely. This honesty with God can lead me to a place of perspective, security, and even clarity.

Life is hard and my heart will doubt and my soul will be troubled. Nevertheless, God is still here. And, ultimately, he will make right what is now wrong. He is my strength and my portion even when – no – especially when I am doubting.

Prayer

Father, even in my confusion, I praise and trust you. I run to you in my times of doubt. Help me to overcome my unbelief and draw me close to you. I ask you to bring perspective of who you are when life doesn’t make sense. In Jesus’ name, amen.

--P. Michael