Prayerfully Re-Center around God
Job 42:1-6
1 Then Job replied to the Lord:
2 “I know that you can do all things;
no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
3 You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’
Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me to know.
4 “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.’
5 My ears had heard of you
but now my eyes have seen you.
6 Therefore I despise myself
and repent in dust and ashes.”
Pondering Point
While this is definitely a prayer from Job, it is not a one of request or supplication, but of admission or recognition -- a prayer of repentance. It’s a response to God’s Word in Job’s world; he was humbled, something we can all use. Let’s use his story to reflect on our own story, re-centering on God.
Review
Like Job, have you spoken of things you do not understand? Have you been critical of God’s ways despite a lack of knowledge of how He works?
Repent if Necessary
Like Job, admit that you have been critical of God’s way of handling situations in your life. If you want greater insight of how little you know of God’s ways, read Job 38-41 (and Job’s final comments in chapters 27-31, 42).
Return (as necessary)
Adapt and adopt Job’s final words for yourself:
"I know that you can do all things;
no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
You asked, “Who obscures my plans without knowledge?”
Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know."
~ Job 42:2-3
Prayer
Father God, like Job having to listen while You questioned him, I don’t know how I would hold up under such questioning by You. Let my ears truly hear You and my eyes rightly see You that I might truly humble myself of improper attitudes and indeed repent in dust and ashes.
(adapted Job 42:1-6).