May 28, 2015: Job 38: 1-11

Job 38:1-11

38:1Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind:

2 “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
3 Gird up your loins like a man,
    I will question you, and you shall declare to me.

4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
    Tell me, if you have understanding.
5 Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
    Or who stretched the line upon it?
6 On what were its bases sunk,
    or who laid its cornerstone
7 when the morning stars sang together
    and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?

8 “Or who shut in the sea with doors
    when it burst out from the womb?—
9 when I made the clouds its garment,
    and thick darkness its swaddling band,
10 and prescribed bounds for it,
    and set bars and doors,
11 and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther,
    and here shall your proud waves be stopped’?

Reflection
This set of verses is nestled into the story of Job. Job is questioning God about the many injustices that he is experiencing. This passage is God’s reply. It’s more of a response than an answer. Job is not alone in his questioning. There are many injustices done in the world today. You can find examples as easy as turning on the news or scrolling through your social media feed. It leaves us asking more questions. It also raises the question: are we as humans okay with open ended questions and empty spaces without answers? Do we trust?

God refers to the “sea” in verses 8-11. In the time that these verses were written the “sea” was an ancient mythical creature that represented chaos. God is declaring that the sea (chaos) has been put under the control of God. Even the most feared creature in the world is no match for the strength of God. Can we trust God with this statement?

Questions

Morning: What are some areas of the “Sea” or chaos in your life? Name them before God in prayer and give them up today.

Afternoon: Why do you think that we struggle with open ended responses instead of black and white answers from God?

Night: In what area of your life is God calling for a deeper level of trust? Confess that you need help to trust and pray for contentment.