Anyone who has read the book of Job in the Bible knows that it is stock full of imagery and information. As I was on my way to work this morning--my husband driving me in--i decided to spend a few minutes reading and seeing what God might have me hear from Him this morning. I was in for more than I could have bargained for. It really opened my eyes in a new way, not only to who God is, but also as to what his thoughts are about our thoughts, actions and feelings. The fact that it has been very cold, rainy and even snowy recently, has made the imagery in this chapter even more relevant. Having said all that, here is what I read. See what you think.
Job Chapter 37
My heart pounds as I think of this. It trembles within me.
Listen carefully to the thunder of God's voice as it rolls from his mouth.
It rolls across the heavens, and his lightening flashes from every direction.
Then comes the rolling of the thunder-
The tremendous voice of his majesty. He does not restrain it when he speaks.
God's voice is glorious in the thunder.
We can't even imagine the greatness of his power.
He directs the snow to fall to the earth and tells the rain to pour down.
Then everyone stops working so they can watch his power.
The wild animals take cover and stay inside their dens.
The stormy wind comes from its chamber,
And the driving winds bring the cold.
God's breath sends the ice, freezing wide expanses of water.
He loads the clouds with moisture, and they flash with his lightening.
The clouds churn about at his direction.
They do whatever he commands throughout the earth.
He makes these things happen either to punish people or to show his unfailing love.
Pay attention to this, Job.
Stop and consider the wonderful miracles of God!
Do you know how God controls the storm
And causes the lightening to flash from his clouds?
Do you understand how he moves the clouds with wonderful perfection and skill?
When you are sweltering in your clothes and the south winds die down
And everything is still
He makes the skies reflect the heat like a bronze mirror.
Can you do that?
So teach the rest of us what to say to God.
We are too ignorant to make our own arguments.
Should God be notified that I want to speak? Can people even speak when they are confused?
We cannot look at the sun, for it shines brightly in the sky,
When the wind clears away the clouds.
So also, golden splendor comes from the mountain of God. He is clothed in dazzling splendor.
We cannot imagine the power of the Almighty; but even though he is just and righteous,
He does not destroy us.
No wonder people everywhere fear him.
All who are wise show him reverence.
