Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Whose hands have gathered up the wind? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth?
Our God keeps secrets from us. Not because He is mean or malicious, or doesn’t want to share. Not to withhold His goodness from us. Like a loving parent who knows what’s best for us, He does not overwhelm us with things we need to know. He is a God of mystery, a God whose love knows no bounds, who is so vast that we can never comprehend His existence. He is above and beyond us, dwelling within us and hemming us in. He knows all and wants to be known.
There is so much in this life that we do not understand. Today’s verses remind me of the last few chapters of Job. Job has lost so much, been suffocated by the ‘advice’ and words of his friends. While he is suffering and questioning many things, Job refuses to curse God. After hours, if not days, of the voices of this world trying steal Job’s identity, there is finally space for God to speak. God doesn’t give Job any answers about why he’s had to experience such pain. He just reveals who He is. And Job’s response?
“I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.” (Job 42:5)
Heavenly Father, I know so much about you – so many people have told me who you are, I have read about you in your word. But do I see you? Do I see you in the mystery in this world?
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
– Helen Howarth Lemmel