“Where
were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?” (v.4)
When tragedy strikes, questions follow. The loss of a loved one
may lead us to ask God any number of pointed questions: “Why did You let this
happen?” “Whose fault was this?” “Don’t You care about my pain?” Believe me, I
have asked these very questions.
The book of Job records the questions Job asks as he sits down
with friends to lament his suffering. He had lost his family as well as his
health and possessions. At one point, he asks, “Why is light given to him who
is in misery, and life to the bitter of soul?” (3:20). Later, he asks, “What strength
do I have, that I should hope?” (6:11). And, “Does it seem good to You that You
should oppress?” (10:3). Many have stood near a headstone placed too early and
asked similar questions.
But
when you read all the way to the end of the book, you get a surprise. When God
responds to Job (chs. 38–41), He does it in an unexpected way. He turns the
tables and asks Job questions—different questions that show His wisdom and
sovereignty, questions about His magnificent creations, the earth, stars, and
sea. And the questions all point to this: God is sovereign. God is
all-powerful. God is love. And God knows what He is doing.
The
Truth: “Yea,
though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
(Psalm 23:4)
