“Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seat! Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.” (v3,8-12)
Job laments that he cannot sense the presence of God, no matter where he looks or how fervently he seeks. Yet, Job is confident that when he does come before God, he will be found blameless and pure, for he has remained faithful and loving toward God.
Let’s be honest with ourselves – can we claim that we treasure the words out of God’s mouth, more than we treasure the food that we eat? I can’t honestly say that… not consistently anyway. What must we do to treasure God’s wisdom and guidance more than we value the things of this world, even those things which we need to survive?
There are so many ways we can intentionally grow closer to God and begin to value Him more. Some examples include:
– being still and quiet, preparing ourselves for time with Him
– reading our Bibles
– spending time in prayer
– literally walking and talking with God
– worshiping as you see fit (eg. singing, painting, gardening, etc.)
– etc.
Despite the many ways in which we can grow closer to Him, and begin to treasure Him more, there was one key word in the previous statement that makes it possible: “intentionally”. We must be purposeful, diligent and intentional in our walk with God, so we may grow closer to Him. In my experience, I have never grown closer to God and treasured Him more by mere accident, or by default – it has always requires some work.
My encouragement for today is to continue investing in our relationships with God, even if we don’t feel His presence in the moment (like Job did not). Faith should not be contingent upon feelings – faith is our unrelenting hope and trust in God’s promises, regardless of our circumstances or feelings. Let’s continue to go deeper with our beloved Lord and Savior, so we too may treasure Him more than the life-giving physical food that we eat, for He is the life-giving spiritual food that we eat (the Bread of Life).
Father God, our Lord and Sovereign King, You are majestic and righteous far above any other. Father we humbly ask for Your continued sustaining hand upon us, that we may have the strength to continue abiding in You. Father please help us to glorify and praise You even if we don’t feel Your presence. Please help us to remain fully devoted Christ Followers, even when we can’t see Your leading. Please help us to love You, even if we don’t sense Your love in the moment. We love You Father, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training