Blessings,
MONDAY ENCOURAGEMENT
“When I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt’?”
Job 38:11 (NIV)
I never get used to the ocean. I can stand there, looking out over the vastness of the water and listening to the power of the waves, and it always astonishes me. And the fact that you can look in every direction and, most of the time, never see land is even more overpowering.
I think the ocean makes you feel small. I don’t know how you can look at it with human eyes and not feel that way.
If you’re familiar with the book of Job, you know Job went through unimaginable tragedy. He lost his possessions, his sons and daughters, and was even afflicted with painful sores all over his body.
When his wife told him to curse God and die, Job replied, “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10, NIV)
Job’s friends came to sympathize with and comfort him. But as their conversations continued, they began questioning Job and offering their own explanations for his suffering.
But God…
Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm.
After all the questions from Job and his friends, God now asks them. But He doesn’t begin by explaining Job’s circumstances. Instead, He begins by revealing who He is.
“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?”
Job 38:4 (NIV)
God continues with question after question about His creation. He asks about the earth, the heavens, the oceans, the animals, His provision for them, and even the voice of thunder.
But one of my favorite questions is the one about the ocean.
“When I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt’?”
Job 38:11 (NIV)
Think about that.
We serve a God who not only created the oceans but also set their boundaries. The waves that seem so powerful to us can only come as far as He allows. He is not only the Creator of the waters but the One who commands them.
When I stand before the ocean and think about that, it makes me consider just how great our God truly is.
No matter what is going on in our lives, the questions we have, or what other people think, including family and friends, God knows. He knows.
And in every situation, I wonder if we should be asking ourselves a different question.
What does God want us to see about Him?
I love Job’s response near the end of the book. After hearing the Lord speak, Job replies:
“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”
Job 42:2 (NIV)
Job goes on to acknowledge that he had spoken of things he did not understand, things too wonderful for him to know.
Then he says:
“My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.”
Job 42:5 (NIV)
Job recognized how little he understood compared to God’s greatness. He humbled himself before the Lord and repented.
I think about that when I look at the ocean. The God who created those waters, set their boundaries, and commands the waves is the same God who wants us to know Him.
We all have questions. Some may never be answered this side of heaven. But God knows. He knows every circumstance, every detail, and every answer.
And perhaps, in the middle of our questions, there is something more important for us to consider.
What does God want us to see about Him?
This amazing God wants us to know Him. He has all the answers. What He chooses to reveal to us is His decision, but seeking Him is ours.
Have a blessed Monday!
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Sources & Scripture
Scripture References:
- Job 1:13–22 — Job’s losses and suffering
- Job 2:7–11 — Job’s affliction, response to his wife, and the arrival of his friends
- Job 38:1–11 — The Lord speaks to Job out of the storm and describes His authority over creation
- Job 38–39 — God’s questions concerning creation and His provision for living creatures
- Job 42:1–6 — Job’s response to the Lord, acknowledging God’s greatness and his own limited understanding
Bible Translation:
All Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (NIV).
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
