“Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. Accept instruction from his mouth and lay up his words in your heart.” Job 22:21-22 NIV
Occasionally encouraging and direct words are spoken from an unlikely source whose intent was not to encourage but rebuke. Such an occasion occurred in the Old Testament book of Job. The man Job had gone through the lost of his family and all his possessions almost instantaneously by the hand of Satan by God’s permission. (Job 1:1-2:13) He was visited by his three friends to mourn with him and provide comfort. Their heart was in the right place for they did so for seven days without saying a word. They should have remained silent because what followed was their interpretation of Job’s circumstances, saying that he had sinned.
Sadly, some Christians today in their effort to comfort those in times of trouble will point the accusing figure to some sin in others lives leading to the distress they are in. Surely it could have been sin that brought on the tragic events, and it may not have been, but was God’s plan for His purposes. The Bible states Job did not sin, but it was for God’s purpose He allowed Job to suffer. Job’s friends were convinced he must have sinned towards God and this dialogue with him makes up the content of the book of Job. Eliphaz, one of Job’s three friends, while accusing Job spouts out godly wisdom for all who have sinned and need to reconcile with God. Although it was good advice, Job didn’t need it for he did not sin. Nevertheless, the words spoken, even in an accusing state, are truthful and can be applied to fallen believers.
For all of us this passage from Job is right on in reconciling ourselves back to God when we do sin. Submitting to God will back the peace we lost with Him. Accepting the instructions He gives us in His Word will draw us closer to Him by keeping us on the straight and narrow, and laying up His words in our hearts will seal them helping us in our daily walk with Him.
Read: Job 22:21-30 NIV – “Submit to God and be at peace with – Bible Gateway
Word for the Soul 