“Indeed, I know that this is true. But how can mere mortals prove their innocence before God? (Job 9:2 NIV)
Honesty with God equals innocence.
One thing God has taught me lately, we’re not hiding anything. Those secrets you think no one knows, God knows. He knows more about us than we know about ourselves.
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13 NIV)
When we pour out our hearts to God in sincere repentance, He declares us innocent. God already knows your secrets, you aren’t telling Him anything He doesn’t already know. Tell Him everything, forgive yourself. Find renewal as God gives you new life:
“We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.” (Romans 3:22 NLT)
Bildad questioned Job’s Innocence
Today’s verse comes from a conversation Job has with his second friend, Bildad. Job, a man experiencing deep heartache and pain is keeping his eyes on God. Bildad is offering an explanation for why Job is suffering. Obviously, from Bildad’s perspective, Job has a secret sin he needs to confess, therefore God is punishing him. Bildad isn’t God, neither are we. We’re not to judge, we’re to love.
Job doesn’t need someone making him feel worse than he already does. He’s lost his children, his livelihood and has boils all over his body. The guy needs comfort, not a guilt trip. But Bildad wants answers. If he can explain why Job is experiencing this pain, then maybe he can avoid having to experience the pain himself? He doesn’t want to go through what Job is going through. He wants an answer so he can avoid the pain. He’s thinking of himself more than he’s thinking about Job.
Bad things happen to good people with no explanation. Life is a mystery out of our control. We will never have all of the answers to our questions on this side of eternity. No matter how hard Bildad tries to find an answer, he won’t. Job knows this, so does God.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways,” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV)
God is in control. He has a plan for each of our lives. Wherever God leads you, He’ll provide for you. But you won’t understand everything, neither will your friends.
Some questions don’t have answers. Acceptance of this fact comes with faith in God. Trust that He knows the answer, even if you don’t. Trust His plan is best.
Get honest with God. Tell Him your secrets. Let Jesus make you innocent.
Question of the Day:
What secret does God know about you that you haven’t told Him yet?
Further Reading: Job 8-11 NIV, 1 Corinthians 15:1-28 NIV, Psalm 38:1-22 NIV, Proverbs 21:28-29 NIV
