Whirlwind

Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind:

“Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up your loins like a man;  I will question you, and you shall declare to me.

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know!  Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?

“Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its swaddling band, and prescribed bounds for it, and set bars and doors, and said, ‘Thus far shall you come and no farther,  and here shall your proud waves be stopped’?" ~ Job 38:1-11

Job is someone who many of have probably identified with at some point in our lives, even if maybe we didn't realize it!

To say his life was difficult would be putting it mildly, and all of his losses were compounded by having friends who told him that all his difficulties were his fault.

In the devotions from Monday and Tuesday, Paul gave us words to guide us in prayer and to lead us to hope when we are groaning in pain or suffering, yet despite this, how often do we - like Job - cry out to God, "Why?"

Why do we suffer? Why is there pain?

God's reply here to Job may either inspire you or leave you wanting more. Is this answer from God enough? Does God asserting God's dominion and creativity spark understanding? Or confusion? Or even perhaps irritation.

I guess it depends on the day for me. Most days I know that God has created all that I can see, touch, smell, and taste. I can see and trust the power of the One who has created it all.

But on other days, I still find myself asking "why." Why do we suffer? Why is there pain? In those times, God asserting God's dominance might not work for me.

But in those times, I can lean into other words from God: words that tell me God has searched me and known me. Words that tell me not to fear and that God loves me. Words that tell me that nothing can separate me from God's love.

There is no easy answer to why we suffer. But we can trust that when we do, we are not alone. We are held and we are loved.

God, help me to trust in you when I am hurting and to know that no matter what, you are with me. Amen