READING: Job 22:1-25:6
Sometimes God seems quite distant when we most need Him—and, those times will often stretch our faith and challenge our spiritual confidence.
Job faced such a struggle when he desperately wanted to defend himself before God, but God was seemingly nowhere to be found. Indeed, Job used geographic metaphors to show how distanced God seemed to be: “I go east, but he is not there. I go west, but I cannot find him. I do not see him in the north, for he is hidden. I look to the south, but he is concealed” (Job 23:8-9). Such a fruitless search would surely test one’s trust in God.
Job, though, did not abandon his trust, despite all the struggles he faced. He could not find God, but he trusted that God still knew where Job’s journey was taking him. He knew God was testing him, yet he would come out as “pure as gold” (Job 23:10). Like gold purified by the heat of fire, Job would come out a better person as a result of his trial. Job had, in his own words, “stayed on God’s paths” and “treasured his words more than daily food” (Job 23:11-12)—and, his trial would ultimately strengthen his character.
It might have seemed that God was hiding, but He still had a plan for Job. He still has a plan for each of us, too—even when we seemingly cannot find Him.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you struggling trusting God? Why?
TODAY’S PRAYER: “I praise You, God, for Your Word. Amen.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Job 26:1-29:25
