Job 23 reminds me of those times when we feel that God has abandoned us. If we try to pray, our prayers just fall to the floor and we feel completely alone. Job begins, “Today my complaint is bitter“. Job explains that God seems to be preventing him from improving his situation. “His hand is heavy in spite of my groaning“. Job concludes that he must track down God and straighten Him out. “If only I knew where to find Him… I would state my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments“. Job decides he would like to question God about why he is being treated so unjustly. “I would find out what He would answer me, and consider what He would say.” It is important to remember, Satan desires to separate us from God and from those that love us. Job’s first words help us understand what is going on. Feelings can manipulate our understanding and corrupt the truth. Hebrews 12:15 warns us not to let “any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled“. This is true in every relationship we have, and even Job is not immune. Jesus told a parable ofthe shepherd that left the flock to find the one lost sheep, and He concluded, “In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost” (Matthew 18:14). So what do we do when we are in that place? Seek out others that have accepted Christ as Savior! Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20).
Next Job ponders what it would be like to cross-examine God.”Would He oppose me with great power? No, He would not press charges against me.” Job seems to believe God would be really impressed by his sincerity and goodness. Job says, given the chance to stand before God, he would be vindicated. “There an upright man could present his case before Him, and I would be delivered forever from my judge.” Job adds, “When He has tested me, I will come forth as gold“. I do not want to ever have to stand before God trusting in my own goodness. The prophet Isaiah said, compared to God’s perfection, “All our righteousnesses are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). As for me, I am trusting in the perfect work of Christ. I believe Jesus died as a willing sacrifice to pay the debt of my sins. I believe God now sees me as righteous because I believe His promise. 1 John 2:1 explains, “But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense Jesus Christ, the Righteous One“.
As the chapter ends, Job continues to insist, “I have kept to His way without turning aside… I have not departed from the commands of His lips“. Job adds, “I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread“.It is important to remember in the first chapter, God Himself bragged of Job “he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil“. But Job knew God is greater than His creation. He says, “He stands alone, and who can oppose Him?” Job understood that God has perfect knowledge. Job realized he is simply part of God’s plan. Job says, “That is why I am terrified before Him; when I think of all this, I fear Him. God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me“. I believe Job is making the connection that trusting in his own ability to be righteous is a scary thing. God is never further away than we can push Him. He desires that each of us look to Him. I believe God stands beside us with His arms open, ready to receive us. How will you come to Him? “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10).