Job's Two Requests from God
Job was very open with God and with his friends. However, he did ask God not to do two things, so that he would not feel the need to hide himself from God. (Job 13:20,21) Those two things would be devastating to our relationship with God, too. Let's examine them.
Job asked God not to withdraw His hand far from him. God's hand represents His presence and His power. Think of how comforting it is to know that God's hand is upon us. It means He is right there beside us, and we can walk with Him and talk with Him. When His hand is taken far from us, we are on our own, and we are unable to have the peace of God, knowing we are vulnerable to attack from Satan's forces. Therefore, to have an open fellowship with God, it helps so much to know He is with us.
Job knew we are to fear God, but not be afraid of God. Therefore, he asked God not to let his fear of God or his dread of God, turn into being afraid of God. He knew that when we are afraid of a person or of God, we can't have close fellowship with that person in all honesty and truth. We should never be afraid to approach God in prayer and in worship. We should always know that He will not harm us without a reason, and then, He will bring healing after His purpose is accomplished. Therefore, we never need to be afraid of God, but to confide everything in Him.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Job 16-18.
Job asked God not to withdraw His hand far from him. God's hand represents His presence and His power. Think of how comforting it is to know that God's hand is upon us. It means He is right there beside us, and we can walk with Him and talk with Him. When His hand is taken far from us, we are on our own, and we are unable to have the peace of God, knowing we are vulnerable to attack from Satan's forces. Therefore, to have an open fellowship with God, it helps so much to know He is with us.
Job knew we are to fear God, but not be afraid of God. Therefore, he asked God not to let his fear of God or his dread of God, turn into being afraid of God. He knew that when we are afraid of a person or of God, we can't have close fellowship with that person in all honesty and truth. We should never be afraid to approach God in prayer and in worship. We should always know that He will not harm us without a reason, and then, He will bring healing after His purpose is accomplished. Therefore, we never need to be afraid of God, but to confide everything in Him.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Job 16-18.