SECURITY (Job 22-24)1

Today I ran across an interesting Facebook post: "I heard someone say, 'I like having money. It gives me a sense of security.' ... What do u think of this statement??"

The responses who mostly said the person put his trust in the wrong thing. Giving the obvious (and true) answer: Our security ultimately lies in God.

About as helpful as Job's friends.

I couldn't help but think of that when I read Job's latest response today. His "friends" have taken off their gloves, with no conciliatory words before attacking him.

Rather than attacking his counselors, Job ups his complaint to God. He actually says, "God has no right to treat me like this--it isn't fair!" He is searching for God, to go to court with God. He had no doubts that God would acquit him.

The only problem: Job can't find God. And in spite of his bravado, he also acknowledges God's sovereignty. "[God] is singular and sovereign. Who can argue with him? He does what he wants, when he wants to. He'll complete in detail what he's decided about me, and whatever else he determines to do." (Job 23:13-14)

God will complete in detail His will for me. That can give us confidence. Remember Philippians 1:6? "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

In Job's case, he knows he can't outthink or outargue God. If God has decided to treat Job this way, nothing Job says can change His mind. And he is terrified at the same time he wants an audience with God.

Over and above it all, though, it's clear that Job's security rests in God. Even when he doesn't understand what God is doing.

In chapter 24, Job contradicts his friends, saying, look how many bad people have it easy? They kill, rape, trod on the poor--and profit from it.

He gives his answer to question about security with a simple sentence: They may have an illusion of security, but God has his eye on them. (Job 24:22-24, MSG)

What's my take away from this passage?

If Job didn't trust God, he wouldn't hurl questions at Him. He would hide or ignore Him. Look for answers elsewhere.

Bottom line? God is big enough to handle our questions and anger. Our biggest mistake is to take them elsewhere.