Who, Not Why

I have been so immersed with a couple of studies I have been doing for teaching opportunities, that my blog has been seemingly frozen in time. Of course, hallowing God's name is a great place to get stuck! I spoke on Enjoying Life as a Wife at a couples conference in Oregon, and I am in the midst of a series from the book of Job for an elective at my church's women's ministry program. I have learned so much from my studying that whenever I have thought of blogging I don't know where to begin. So I'm just going to keep it simple.

Job is a wonderful book, and we can learn much about dealing with the diffuculties of life from it. Job suffered in amazing ways. He was a very wealthy man, and lost absolutely everything. He had 10 children who were all killed at the same time. He endured intense physical agony that went on day after day. He might have hoped to receive encouragement and comfort from his wife and friends, but they just added to his grief. Although his initial response to all of his calamity is fantastic (1:20-22, 2:10), over time he begins to falter. He gets discouraged and begins to view God through his cirucmstances, rather than viewing his cirucmstances through the truth he knows about God. He begins to questions why. Why did I not die at birth, come forth from the womb and expire? (3:11) I will say to God, 'Do not condemn me; Let me know why Thou dost contend with me.' (11:2) Why dost Thou hide Thy face and consider me Thine enemy? (13:24) Why are times not stored up by the Almighty; and why do those who know Him not see His days? (24:1)

God finally speaks at the end of the book. Chapters 38-41 gives the longest recorded speech from God. He speaks for four chapters, but does not address Job's why questions. He eloquently answers with who He is. He is God, the Creator, all-powerful, all-knowing, Lord and ruler over the entire universe. And what is Job's response? Does he still ask why? I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear; but now my eye sees Thee; Therefore I retract, and I repent in dust and ashes. (42:5-6) Although none of his questions have been answered, all of his questions have been answered. He may still not know why, but he knows who, and that is all he needs to know. God is God and he is not. God is the sovereign ruler, he is the humble servant. Job is overwhelmed with how awesome God is, and that is what brings him comfort.

So next time you are distressed by life, whether a severe trial or just the stresses and difficulties of life, don't focus on the why, focus on the who. Turn to God, meditate on the truth of His character, rejoice in what a great and awesome God we can know personally. This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:21-23) When we recall the who to mind, and not get bogged down in the why, we can have hope.