It’s easy to thank God when blessings flow into our lives and we stand upon the mountain top, but what happens when the bottom falls out and we can’t find our way out of the valley? What happens when God seems to be nowhere to be found? Both Job and the early church struggled with these questions, and using passages from Job (23:1-9, 16-17), and the Letter to the Hebrews (4:12-16), we, too, will wrestle with the question of what happens “When God is Not There.”
See you Sunday.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jim
Job 23:1-9, 16-17
Job Replies: My Complaint Is Bitter
23 Then Job answered:
2 “Today also my complaint is bitter;[a] his[b] hand is heavy despite my groaning.3 Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his dwelling!4 I would lay my case before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.5 I would learn what he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.6 Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No; but he would give heed to me.7 There an upright person could reason with him, and I should be acquitted forever by my judge.
8 “If I go forward, he is not there; or backward, I cannot perceive him;9 on the left he hides, and I cannot behold him; I turn[c] to the right, but I cannot see him.
16 God has made my heart faint; the Almighty[a] has terrified me;17 If only I could vanish in darkness, and thick darkness would cover my face![b]
Hebrews 4:12-16
12 Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.
Jesus the Great High Priest
14 Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested[a] as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
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