And the LORD said to Job: "Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Anyone who argues with God must respond."

Then Job answered the LORD: "See, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth. I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but will proceed no further."

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind:

"Gird up your loins like a man; I will question you, and you declare to me. Will you even put me in the wrong? Will you condemn me that you may be justified? Have you an arm like God, and can you thunder with a voice like his?

"Deck yourself with majesty and dignity; clothe yourself with glory and splendor. Pour out the overflowings of your anger, and look on all who are proud, and abase them. Look on all who are proud, and bring them low; tread down the wicked where they stand. Hide them all in the dust together; bind their faces in the world below. Then I will acknowledge to you that your own right hand can give you victory.

Job 40:1-14

Job had been complaining about things he did not think were fair. After listening to Job’s objections, the LORD finally spoke out of a violent storm. Suddenly things came into perspective for Job. God was gentle, but He was also firm and direct. The LORD asked him the kind of questions that bring finite man back down to size. Job listened, gave up his complaining, and found peace in surrendering to God.

Father, we don’t make sense when we complain about Your fairness. Help us to be like Your Son Jesus, who trusted you without complaining, even to the point of dying on the cross.

When you feel like complaining,

think of all that Jesus endured.

Our Daily Bread – May 25, 2004