In Job 23 we read, “8 ¶ Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: 9 On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: 10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. 11 My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. 12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.”
O that we could be as faithful as brother Job in following the Lord even in those times when we don’t understand, when we ask and don’t perceive the answer, and when we can’t see his leading nor feel that He is with us! Faith says, He is there. Faith says, trust Him still. Faith says, even when I don’t understand, I will continue to do what I know is according to truth, because I know what His word says. And, faith says, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”
Pay particular attention to the many facets of how Job describes his present dilemma. Nevertheless he says, “My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.” How wonderful! But really, when we are able to consider this objectively, it is the only way for us to take in difficult times that will lead to true peace and happiness with no regrets. Moreover, we need to know this ahead of tough times, because once life is hard, we may not be as quick to receive and appreciate God’s good and right counsel.
Even so, when we know the right way to go in difficult times, we are tempted to turn back. But Job proved God’s faithfulness. He said, “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” He knew the word of the Lord, and he desired more of it! And why not? It is our daily bread. It is what sustains us and gives strength for our day. Without it we are weak, and feeble is our response to serving Him as we should.
This week, may we be like Job in desiring the words of His mouth more than the food we need on a daily basis. May we be enlightened in our understanding of it and strengthened in our application of it, that after we are tried, we might reflect honor and glory to the One who someday by His grace will bring us forth as gold.
In the love of Christ,
Elder Clayton Nowell
The last expression in this passage that speaks of Job’s high regard for God’s word has a great bearing on how faithfully Job’s was able to accomplish the rest of what was said.Pay particular attention to the many facets of how Job describes his present dilemma. Nevertheless he says, “My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.” How wonderful! But really, when we are able to consider this objectively, it is the only way for us to take in difficult times that will lead to true peace and happiness with no regrets. Moreover, we need to know this ahead of tough times, because once life is hard, we may not be as quick to receive and appreciate God’s good and right counsel.
Even so, when we know the right way to go in difficult times, we are tempted to turn back. But Job proved God’s faithfulness. He said, “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” He knew the word of the Lord, and he desired more of it! And why not? It is our daily bread. It is what sustains us and gives strength for our day. Without it we are weak, and feeble is our response to serving Him as we should.
This week, may we be like Job in desiring the words of His mouth more than the food we need on a daily basis. May we be enlightened in our understanding of it and strengthened in our application of it, that after we are tried, we might reflect honor and glory to the One who someday by His grace will bring us forth as gold.
In the love of Christ,
Elder Clayton Nowell