Job 37
by Pastor David Groendyk

Elihu concludes his speech to Job in this chapter. The majority of this chapter describes God’s power and control over nature and the weather. The Old Testament wisdom books frequently go back to God’s sovereignty over Creation to teach us about God. Why use nature and weather as their prime examples? Michael Barrett, in a devotional section he wrote on this chapter says, “Few things are less predictable than the weather, and certainly nothing is less controllable, even when forecasts prove to be accurate.” We’ve all seen the total devastation that severe weather brings, either personally or on the news. Hurricane after hurricane pounds the Gulf Coast states. Regular ol’ thunderstorms knock out Fenton’s electricity and water for days. These natural phenomena wreak havoc, are utterly out of our control, and can be unpredictable. Yet, God is over all of it. He is the all-powerful being. Booming thunder claps are merely his voice (v. 4). Polar vortexes are merely his breath (v. 10). But more than just being all-powerful, God is the all-wise one who always designs his nature with a plan and who always does only right. Snow, ice, rain, lightning, and hurricanes all accomplish his purpose (vv. 12–13). These are not random events. He’s not just powerful enough to control it; he actually has a plan for it all. Although we can never control the weather and sometimes not be able to predict it, we can trust our God’s goodness and wisdom through it all.

But what does this have to do with Job’s situation? First, God does great things that we cannot comprehend (v. 5). The unpredictability and uncontrollable nature of Creation should tell us that God is far above not just nature but us. His will and his purposes most of the time are likely far beyond what we’re able to comprehend. The oft-quoted John Piper is fond of saying that God is doing ten thousand things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them. Second, stop and consider the wondrous works of God (v. 14). Ponder, reflect on, and meditate on these demonstrations of God’s mighty power. Meditate on God’s power and control. Are you able to balance the clouds or spread out the skies or explain why lightning strikes where? Meditate on God’s incomprehensible purpose and will. We cannot ever expect to know the mind of God fully. Third, fear God, and do not be wise in your own eyes (v. 24). Honor, respect, and reverence God as the one who is above all the affairs of Creation and man. Understand who he is and respond to him accordingly. More than just respecting him, though, love him. This all-powerful God is not a capricious tyrant, but a merciful and generous Father. It is the epitome of pride and conceit to think that we can be smart, insightful, and wise apart from God’s Word and God’s Spirit. If you think you can delve into the mind of God and explain why he’s doing what he’s doing, you’re foolish and prideful and wrong. Fear him, submit yourself to his will, and look to him for wisdom in the midst of your troubles.