Where Were You When God Laid the Foundation of the Earth?

Note from today’s Bible reading: Job 36-39

After a lengthy discussion between Job and his friends about why Job was suffering, the Lord Himself addressed the patriarch. Job had previously said he wanted to appeal his case before God, yet this interaction would not go as he may have anticipated.

God said to Job, “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now gird up your loins like a man, and I will ask you, and you instruct Me! Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding” (Job 38:2-4).

The Lord then proceeded to describe the greatness of His creation and called attention to details about its order and operation that Job could not even begin to comprehend or explain. Even though Job had faith and knew that he had done nothing deserving of the suffering he was facing, he was not in the place of God. So many things that affected his life – directly or indirectly – were simply beyond his ability to grasp.

This is an important reminder for us. No matter how much we think we understand about the world around us, there will always be things beyond our comprehension. Rather than accusing God of being unfair toward us (or at least allowing unfairness against us), we simply need to trust Him.

So where were you when God laid the foundation of the earth? Obviously, that was long before we came along. Therefore, instead of questioning God’s wisdom or ways, let us strive to be faithful, knowing His will is best.