Readings for today: Job 12-15, 1 Corinthians 15:29-58, Psalms 39, Proverbs 21:30-31
What is prayer? For some it is a wrote exercise. We repeat the phrases we memorized as a young person over and over again before meals and before bed. For others, prayer is a “just break glass in case of emergency” exercise. We call on God only when we need him. Only as a last resort. For others, prayer is about creating intimacy with God. Spending time with him in the mornings or in the evenings. Sharing with him the emotions and struggles of the day. For others, it’s a list. Sins to be confessed. Needs to be met. Praises to offer. All these things are good and right and hopefully a regular part of your daily prayer time.
Job invites us to add yet another layer - argument. Now I know that sounds strange. After all, who can argue with God? What’s the point when “No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord.” (Proverbs 21:30) Furthermore, it doesn’t feel good. It feels like we’re questioning God. Contending against God. Fighting God and how can that be holy? How can that be righteous? How can that be acceptable? What if God gets sick of it and decides to strike us down? What if God gets tired of us and turns his back? Argue with God? Get mad at God? Shake my fist at God? You have to be kidding me!
But then we read these words from King David in the Psalms…“My heart became hot within me. As I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: "O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!” (Psalms 39:3-5) It’s tempting to think of David singing these words in a sweet, sing-songy voice but that’s not what the text says. David is angry. His heart burns hot within him. He is enraged at all he is suffering and he lashes out at God. He raises his voice. He clenches his fist. And he demands God give him an answer.
Job reacts similarly to his own suffering. “Behold, I have prepared my case; I know that I shall be in the right. Who is there who will contend with me? For then I would be silent and die. Only grant me two things, then I will not hide myself from your face: withdraw your hand far from me, and let not dread of you terrify me. Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you reply to me.” (Job 13:18-22) Job wants an audience before God. Job wants to try his case before His Creator. What he is experiencing is not fair. It is not just. It is not righteous. It doesn’t fit with who he knows God to be.
Job is angry with God. But in his anger he does not sin. In his anger he maintains his faith. In his anger he still trusts in God’s goodness and faithfulness and steadfast love. “Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face. This will be my salvation, that the godless shall not come before him.” (Job 13:15-16) Job understands God can handle his anger. Job understands God can handle his frustration. Job understands God is like a loving Father who lets his child yell and scream and carry on and throw a fit and yet never stops loving him. Never stops reaching out for him. And once the child expends all their anger and pent-up frustration, the Father gathers him into his arms. Sits him on his lap. Whispers words of peace and hope and love and joy into his ears.
This too is prayer. Coming before God in total honesty. Raw. Real. Transparent. Laying before him all our brokenness, suffering, and pain. Sharing with God our deepest emotions. Our darkest fears. Our desperate needs. Letting God see us in all our weakness. Too often, we think we have to have it altogether when we pray to God but that is a lie. The Bible clearly invites us to come before God as we are and to engage him for who he is. This is the example Job sets for us.
Readings for tomorrow: Job 16-19, 1 Corinthians 16, Psalms 40, Proverbs 22:1