‘Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said: ‘ “Who is this who darkens counsel By words without knowledge? Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me. “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy? Or who shut in the sea with doors, When it burst forth and issued from the womb; When I made the clouds its garment, And thick darkness its swaddling band; When I fixed My limit for it, And set bars and doors; When I said, ” ‘This far you may come, but no farther, And here your proud waves must stop’ ” ‘ ” ‘ ” (Job 38:1-11)!
This is the very beginning of God’s response to Job. The first reply from God that I presented, was in answer to Job’s comments, when he cursed the day he was born. God’s answers to us does not always follow the order of our questions. God answers us from the perspective of the “big picture.” My devotionals are a most humble attempt to try to find broad answers to Job’s laments! My deepest regrets when I fall short while attempting such a sacred task.
From the very beginning God makes it clear that Job does not know what he is talking about “darkens counsel By words without knowledge[.]” And then he invites him to answer some questions about the laws of life:
[W]ho shut in the sea with doors, When it burst forth and issued from the womb; When I made the clouds its garment, And thick darkness its swaddling band; When I fixed My limit for it, And set bars and doors; When I said, ” ‘This far you may come, but no farther, And here your proud waves must stop!
“Job, you did not have to live in fear, or dread. I was always in control! For now you may believe that it was I who did this to you. I merely allowed it, but through it all, I held the thermostat! I never lost control, and I was always with you! I still have plans for you. ‘Plans of good, and not of evil to give you a future and a hope.’ Because I care for you!”
“Does Jesus care when my heart is pained too deeply for myrth and song; As the burdens press, and the cares distress, and the way grows weary and long?
Refrain; O yes, He cares— I know He cares! His heart is touched with my grief; When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares. (He cares).
“Does Jesus care when my way is dark With a nameless dread or fear? As the daylight fades into deep night shades, Does He care enough to be near? Refrain
“Does Jesus care when I’ve said goodbye To the dearest on earth to me, And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks— Is it aught to Him? Does He see” (Frank E. Graeff)?” Refrain
Please keep these sentiments in mind. It is important in order to understand God’s heart, not His words, as He responds to Job. In the case of Job’s friends, that is quite a different story.
These sentiments are also true for you and me. Jesus does care! Never forget it!