Reflection: This is the last verse of Job’s reflection on wisdom. The Godly man who has lost everything, who has no earthly reason to want to keep living, has discovered deep truths which he wants to share. Note he declares these truths ‘to the human race’. This is news for everyone.
The word ‘fear’ here is not the way we might use it now. God is all powerful, all knowing, the Creator, and Job is acknowledging the reverence of God. We do not have the answers to so much of our lives, but we know more than Job, we know Jesus. And like Job, we are called to trust, to pick up our cross and follow Christ, on whatever path he has for us.
This is no easy thing. We like to control our lives. If I am honest with myself, my prayers would indicate that I want to control God. I dictate the terms. But that is not how it works. Job learned that. We also learn that throughout our lives. However, wisdom comes as we surrender to God’s leading.
Can you name times when you have learned how to surrender your life to God? How did you feel? What did you learn?
Prayer: Thank you, Lord God, for the lessons of Job. Help me to hand my life over to you. Help me to learn how to rest in you no matter the circumstances. Amen.