Job’s God
Jack Davis
“But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10
“HE KNOWS”
The way I take, He not only knows, but lovingly tries, and faithfully purifies, and brings forth the gold. He doesn’t see through a glass darkly. His Word discerns the very thoughts and intents of our hearts. Consider Psalm 139. The Psalmist seems to present Himself for inspection at the close. “Search me O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” The desired destiny of His people is no mystery to Him. Meditate on Psalm 107:23-31. A good portion with which to face the new year.
“THE WAY I TAKE”
There is a way each of us takes; whether it is speaking of our course in life, mode of action, the road to be trod, manner of travel, or the direction we are going. We make personal choices all along the way. We do well to consider that He knows better than anyone. He tells us as we face a new year, “You haven’t passed this way before.” He has all the answers to all the way’s and why not’s in our hearts. For He knows us better than we know our selves.
Jeremiah said, “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. O Lord correct me…” Jer. 10:23-24. The Apostle Paul prayed, “And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and the patient waiting for Christ” – II Thess. 3:5. A most timely prayer. He knows us and lets us know the way. He would have us to go by His Word and the Holy Spirit. Our faithful guide encourages us to stay by His side, saying, “This is the way walk yet in it.”
“WHEN HE HATH TRIED ME”
He kindly makes us to know that our course will not always be down easy street, strewn with flowers. He knows just how much we need to be tried. He proves and reproves and narrows our path. Trials at times are used as attitude adjustments, and in part, as course corrections. We are prone to wander.
On our way there may be many long hard lessons. There are also some that are so very pleasant, enjoyable, but often the most profitable lessons and beneficial, the best remembered are those that are the most difficult.
“I SHALL COME FORTH”
Oh, Yes! I shall come forth! There is an end to each trying experience. God has provided an exit out of your pressing present trial. He has promised deliverance. I Cor. 10:13. This trial will be productive, progress will be made, forward still, is Jehovah’s will, though the billows dash and spray.
“AS GOLD”
Job expressed confidence in His God, repeatedly. He said; “Though He stay me, yet will I trust in Him” – 15:13, and, “He performeth the thing that is appointed for me” – 23:14. It seems that at times Job expected the Lord to carry out unto completion all He had planned. This reminds us of Paul in Phil. 1:6, “being confident of this very thing. He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Christ.”
The “Gold” can express the outcome of God’s work done God’s way. Oh yes, the end result will be divine, unto His glory (fine gold purified, refined). When He is in control there comes forth gold. Both He and we are enriched as we yield Him full right-of-way. Oh what a beautiful product is this divine endowment and glorious adornment, especially for the full pleasure of His enjoyment.
“Kings’ daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir. Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father’s house; So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou Him. The king’s daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework:” Psalm 45:9-11,13-14.
We are His workmanship. There is indeed a need for much fine needlework in each of our lives. This work He is doing in gold that we may be adorned for His glorious presentation. “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Do you sense the gold? Look at these references in this light and see if they bless valuable truth unto your heart. Jas. 1:2-4,12; I Pet. 1:3-8; II Pet. 1:4-11; Rom. 5:1-5.
