DECEMBER 7
JOB 33:19–30

Remember that God’s primary concern is not
earthly comfort but eternal rescue.

 

Sometimes we struggle with God not because he is unloving or
unfaithful (he never is!), but because our values don’t match
his. When we read through the biblical narrative, we realize that

God’s primary agenda is not that we would achieve a comfort-
able and pleasurable life between the “already” and the “not yet.”

Think about what makes you frustrated, irritated, disappointed,
or sad. Think about what makes you happy, satisfied, or content.
What causes these feelings? How many of your joys and sorrows
have anything whatsoever to do with the kingdom and purposes
of God? How often do you mourn your lack of conformity to his
perfect and wise will? How often do you celebrate the outpouring
of daily grace? How often are you grieved because your heart still
wanders? How often are you grateful that God meets you every
day with rescuing and restraining mercies? Many of us don’t need
a disaster in order to feel frustration and disappointment; no, a flat
tire or missing the subway on the way to work can wreck our day.
We experience sturdy joy—the kind that does not rise or fall
with our circumstances—when what we want most for ourselves
matches what God wants for us. But if what we want is not the

thing that God wants most for us, then we are living at cross-pur-
poses with him and struggle to see him as kind, good, faithful,

and loving. And when we begin to question the goodness of God,
we stop going to him for help and instead we seek help only from
those who we think are good and trustworthy.
In Job 32, Elihu enters the scene of this great moral drama to
correct Job’s three counselors. Although in some ways Elihu is as

legalistic as Job’s other friends, he has moments of wisdom and
insight:
God speaks in one way,
and in two, though man does not perceive it.
In a dream, in a vision of the night,
when deep sleep falls on men,
while they slumber on their beds,
then he opens the ears of men
and terrifies them with warnings,
that he may turn man aside from his deed
and conceal pride from a man;
he keeps back his soul from the pit,
his life from perishing by the sword. (Job 33:14–18)
Elihu is on to something. Why do we fail to see God? Why do we
fail to hear his words? It is not because he has forsaken us. It is not
because he is silent. It is because while we are worrying about why
our lives have been so hard, God is working on something much
more significant and glorious than the comforts of the moment.
With wisdom, faithfulness, and rescuing grace, he is securing our
eternal rescue. And that is a reason to celebrate!
 

Prayer

Eternal God, shape my goals and desires to match yours. Grant
happiness, satisfaction, and contentment in your holy will for
this world and for my life. Replace my doubt with a humble
reliance on your perfect sovereignty. Give me the peace of Jesus,

in whose name I pray, amen.