A Look at Me

This week we will be reading Job 29-33. For me, these are powerful chapters. Job begins by talking about how things were before he lost everything. He recalls days when his life was full of joy. Times when men listened to his words and sought his wisdom. He looks back and sees how good things were before his life was touched by tragedy. In chapter 30, Job changes his focus and begins to talk about the trouble he has experienced and pain he is suffering. He talks about loss and the effects of his current situation. He paints a pathetic picture of life as he knows it. In reading these two chapters, we could easily fall into thinking that Job is simply feeling sorry for himself. That he is looking with nostalgia back through the years and bemoaning his current situation. But chapter 31 changes all of that. Job is comparing his past and his present in order to take a hard look at himself. In chapter 31, he begins to work through a list of beliefs, attitudes, and actions. He holds up things like his relationship with money, his treatment of the poor, his understanding of truth, and his responsibilities in leadership. He examines his life in detail to see where God needs to be more in control. It is important for us to stop occasionally and take a good hard look at ourselves. To ask, “What do I need to surrender to God?”