Read Job 23:8-12

Finding God in His Word

Distressed by his circumstances, Job looked for God and for the reasons for his suffering. He went “forward,” “backward,” “left,” and “right,” but was unable to “perceive,” “behold,” or “see” Jehovah (Job 23:8-9). Despite his inability to find what he sought, Job continued to hold fast to his faith and was confident that these tribulations would pass. “But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10).

Peter encourages his readers in their trials and persecutions by referring to their faith as “more precious than gold.” He writes, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7).

How precious is your faith? Is it built upon the proper foundation? Faith is so much more than a warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you think about Jesus. Proper, Biblical faith is founded upon “hearing…the word of God” according to the apostle Paul in Romans 10:17.

That was not a new concept in Paul’s time; Job viewed God’s revelation as vital to his own faith as well. “I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12). Is that your view of the inspired Scriptures?

We are so blessed to live in a day and age when the Scriptures are not only complete, but readily available at the click of a button or the tap of a mobile device. However, reading the Scriptures every day does no good if we do not apply the truth of God’s Word to our lives. If we continue to live in sin and disobedience, the Spirit can have no impact on our lives through the things He inspired.

We can be “thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17), but only through study and application of the Word of God. We can live out God’s will only if we have the same attitude as Job: “I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.”