This chapter is the second part of Job’s response to Eliphaz, though he ignores his friends completely and speaks this lament directly to God.
” ‘What is mankind that you make so much of them, that you give them so much attention, that you examine them every morning and test them every moment? Will you never look away from me, or let me alone even for an instant? If I have sinned, what have I done to you, you who see everything we do? Why have you made me your target? Have I become a burden to you? Why do you not pardon my offenses and forgive my sins? For I will soon lie down in the dust; you will search for me, but I will be no more.’ ” (v17-21)
Job questions God, basically inquiring as to why mankind is of such interest to God, and why He allows them to undergo trial after trial. Job mentions the brevity of human life at least twice, and wonders why God won’t forgive him, given how little of his life remains (thinking he’s going to die soon).
I think at least once in our lives we all question God. The questions may be different, but the frustration, pain or anger around the questions will be similar. We question God on many things, some examples may include: “Why me?” “Why not me?” “Will you answer my prayers?” “If You love me, why did You ______” “How long will _____?” “What did _____ do so wrong, that they are allowed to suffer so greatly?”
Jesus Himself “questioned” God the Father: “About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’).” Although Jesus knows the answer to the question, he still asks it, and He’s asking something similar to Job, the psalmists, and some of the prophets – why is God doing what He’s doing, the way He’s doing it?
Unlike Jesus, who is God, we don’t know always know the answer as to why God does what He does, and how He does it. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isa 55:8-9)
I want to encourage us that It’s okay to ask questions of God when we pray/lament to Him. God may choose to answer us, but more likely He’ll leave us hanging. Why? Maybe because He wants us to keep the conversation going, and if He always answered every question to our satisfaction, we might stop asking; or maybe He knows we can’t handle the answers. Whatever the reason, the important thing is we keep the conversation going, and keep seeking Him above all others. God wants us to deepen our relationship with Him, even if we have more questions than answers.
Father God, Sovereign Lord, Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and Your ways are higher than our ways. Thank you for never leaving or forsaking us, even when we feel that You have. Thank you for giving us curious minds, and seeking hearts, that we may be drawn to conversation with You. Father please keep us firmly rooted in our faith and trust in You, so not even a lack of answers would drive us away. Please continue to guide, provide, and protect, as You always have, so we may remain by Your side all the days of our lives. In the name of Jesus our Savior, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training