“Stretch Out Your Hands Toward Him”

“Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than heaven— what can you do? Deeper than Sheol— what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea.

“If He passes by, imprisons, and gathers to judgment, then who can hinder Him?

For He knows deceitful men; He sees wickedness also. Will He not then consider it?

For an empty-headed man will be wise, when a wild donkey’s colt is born a man.

“If you would prepare your heart, and stretch out your hands toward Him; if iniquity were in your hand, and you put it far away, and would not let wickedness dwell in your tents; then surely you could lift up your face without spot; yes, you could be steadfast, and not fear; because you would forget your misery, and remember it as waters that have passed away, and your life would be brighter than noonday, though you were dark, you would be like the morning.

And you would be secure, because there is hope; yes, you would dig around you, and take your rest in safety.

You would also lie down, and no one would make you afraid; yes, many would court your favor.

But the eyes of the wicked will fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope—loss of life!”

Job 11:7-20

After Job lost everything, he had friends with answers but with little understanding. He was told he needed to live wholeheartedly for God.

It’s easy to be critical of Job’s friends for their failure to see the big picture. But how often are we too quick with answers to questions we don’t truly understand? People do want answers. But more than that, they want to know we hear and understand. They want to know we care.

Before people want to hear what you say, they want to know that you care.

Our Daily Bread – July 1, 2016