Job's Prayer
I am not sure any of us can really understand the grief Job was experiencing. He had lost his possessions, his family, and his health. Then, his wife basically must have abandoned him. His three friends who came to comfort him were not comforting at all but adding to his affliction. Job was overwhelmed with grief, but he never lost touch with God, and he never lost his strong trust in God. Finally, Job prayed a simple prayer with two requests of God.(Job 13:20,21) I believe we all would benefit from considering his requests.
Job asked God not to withdraw His hand far from him. This is a way of asking God not to take away His power and His presence. Job knew he could not stand his loss without God being there for him and with him. There is something about knowing God is near that brings great comfort, even when we are not hearing a clear direction from God at the time. Job valued the hand of God in his grief.
Then, Job asked God not to let the dread of God cause him to be afraid of God. Yes, we are to have a healthy fear of God, a respect and reverence for God that submits to His power and authority, knowing He is the Judge of all of us. However, believers should never be afraid of God. It is like a father/son relationship. We should respect our fathers, but when we become afraid of them, it is unhealthy. Job knew God was putting him through a lot of pain for some reason, but he never wanted to cross the line into being afraid of God. I believe this is a very wise request on Job's part, and for us when we are going through heavy trials.
In essence, Job knew he could take whatever might come if he could feel the powerful presence of God and see the Father's loving face looking back at him. I hope we all have the same confidence.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Job 16-18.
Job asked God not to withdraw His hand far from him. This is a way of asking God not to take away His power and His presence. Job knew he could not stand his loss without God being there for him and with him. There is something about knowing God is near that brings great comfort, even when we are not hearing a clear direction from God at the time. Job valued the hand of God in his grief.
Then, Job asked God not to let the dread of God cause him to be afraid of God. Yes, we are to have a healthy fear of God, a respect and reverence for God that submits to His power and authority, knowing He is the Judge of all of us. However, believers should never be afraid of God. It is like a father/son relationship. We should respect our fathers, but when we become afraid of them, it is unhealthy. Job knew God was putting him through a lot of pain for some reason, but he never wanted to cross the line into being afraid of God. I believe this is a very wise request on Job's part, and for us when we are going through heavy trials.
In essence, Job knew he could take whatever might come if he could feel the powerful presence of God and see the Father's loving face looking back at him. I hope we all have the same confidence.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Job 16-18.