Devotional Thoughts Based on the Glory to God Hymnal

Job 38:1-11

The book of Job records the saga of a suffering man, some friends with some not-so-helpful advice, and a final conversation between our suffering friend and God. (My apologies for a drastic oversimplification.)

Thirty-eight chapters into the story, and after Job has launched into a complaint laden critique of the world that God had created, God speaks:

38 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind:

² “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
³ Gird up your loins like a man,
I will question you, and you shall declare to me.

⁴ “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding.
⁵ Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
⁶ On what were its bases sunk,
or who laid its cornerstone
⁷ when the morning stars sang together
and all the heavenly beings^[a] shouted for joy?

⁸ “Or who shut in the sea with doors
when it burst out from the womb?—
⁹ when I made the clouds its garment,
and thick darkness its swaddling band,
¹⁰ and prescribed bounds for it,
and set bars and doors,
¹¹ and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther,
and here shall your proud waves be stopped’?

Job 38:1-11

When we realize that God is in control even of the waves and the sea, it can be an occasion for us to trust in God’s care even during the times of suffering and strife. The sailors on the sea trusted in the “Eternal Father, Strong to Save.” Shouldn’t we?

Prayer

God, just as Jesus calmed the storm to save the disciples on the sea, You can keep us safe during turbulent times in our lives. Let me trust in You today, and every day, as the one who loves and saves. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.