Gems from Job: Job’s Wisest Request From God (Sunday, Feb. 14)

There are lots of wise statements in Job. Some of them you have to dig for and keep a sharp eye watching for them, but they are there. Yet, not all that is in Job is Wisdom. Much of Job is spoken by one of four other characters who appear in the book, Job’s friends. Some of their words contain wise information, but most of it is foolish; foolishness that has to be forgiven by God in ch. 42. Here’s a general breakdown of the book:

5 Divisions of Job

1. Introduction Chs. 1-3
2. Discussion between Job and his 3 friends Chs. 4-31
3. Declaration, a speech by a 4th friend Chs. 32-37
4. Proclamation of God to Job Chs. 38-41
5. Restoration Ch. 42

When searching for wisdom in Job, be sure you know who’s talking, God, Job or perhaps the author. One of the more instructive chapters of the book is ch.13 where Job is responding to his friend Zophar. In v.15 he makes a timeless statement of faith “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him.” Oh that we could all stand in such faith. A few verses later Job stops talking to Zophar and begins praying to God. As he does he makes two amazing requests in v.21.

Job’s Wise Requests

1. Do not remove your hand from me v.21a
2. Do not let me stop fearing you v.21b

Many pray for God to remove their struggle. Job never did. Instead he prayed “Do not remove your hand from me.” Job wanted God’s hand whether it meant pain, or blessing. He had enjoyed the blessing, but now endured pain all the while believing blessing will one day return. Job states this very point to his wife in 2:10 “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” This is a wise request and should be prayed by us all ‘Lord whatever your hand brings, I want it, only do not remove your hand from me.’

Job’s second request in v.21 is just as wise. “Do not let me stop fearing you.” Job had lost so much in his life, one could ask what’s left to fear? Many believers today get to this point where they ask ‘how much worse can it get?’ What else can go wrong? Why still fear Go? What has he done for me lately? Job never entertained such shallow thoughts, but many today face them often because they lose their fear of God. It becomes easier to question him, doubt his word, and doubt others trying to live by his word; all because they drift in their walk with God and lose their fear of him.

Job’s requests speak to believers facing hard times. A physical struggle. An emotional loss. A prolonged battle. Everyone has faced these problems to one degree or another. As we do, wisdom tells us to pray as Job did: “Lord do not remove your hand from me and please do not let me stop fearing you.”