Day 24 – Chapter 24

“Why are times not stored up by the Almighty, and why do those who know Him not seek His days? From the city men groan, and the souls of the wounded cry out; yet God does not pay attention to folly. They are insignificant on the surface of the water; their portion is cursed on the earth. They do not turn toward the vineyards. They are exalted a little while, then they are gone; moreover, they are brought low and like everything gathered up; even like the heads of grain they are cut off. Now if it is not so, who can prove me a liar, and make my speech worthless?” (24:1, 12, 18, 24-25)

Does God ignore wrongs? It is a bit of a rhetorical question but it is what Job now contends. God, who has to this point been silent, seems to Job to ignore the wrongs that people do around him. His inference is that not only does God ignore wrong but also fails to reward righteousness. On the surface it appears to be a foolish thing to contend, but in God’s silence and delay in responding to his situation, it is what Job feels. One cannot indict or chastise Job because of what he feels because if we are honest we have had times when we felt the same thing, and our trials could not begin to compare with that of Job’s.

So, does God ignore wrongs? Of course not, but God does not always speak when we have questions. There are times when God is purposefully silent, maybe even creatively silent. These are not times to take matter into our own hands or to make sweeping assumptions about His love and concern. I imagine that Job was unaccustomed to silence from God, and now when he needed Him most silence is deafening. For our part, we have become so accustomed to instant gratification that we are frustrated beyond description whenever we have to wait for an answer from God.

Know today that God cares for you. Remember Jeremiah’s cry and God’s implied answer. The way of the wicked prospers only for a season. God is not distant as some suppose. He is not uncaring or unkind. He is not dispassionately detached from you. He has empathy for you and is passionately in love with you. In those moments when we desperately desire to hear from Him and He is silent, retreat to His Word for assurance, encouragement, and comfort. Remember His faithfulness from the past. The same God who took care of your yesterday is the same God who will take care of you today and all your tomorrows.

Holy God, the weight of trouble at times seems too heavy to carry. Cause us to remember the words of Your Son Jesus who told us His yoke was easy and His burden light. Call to our remembrance the words of Peter when he declared we could cast all our cares on You because You care for us. Help us to wait on You and be of good courage believing that You will strengthen our heart. Prevent us from becoming jaded when we think about You and all You have done and continue to do for us. Enable us hide ourselves in You knowing that You will work things out for our good. We ask this in faith today through the matchless all-powerful name of Jesus. Amen.