Job 36:13 “The godless in heart harbor resentment;
even when he fetters them, they do not cry for help.”

This is a very interesting statement that deserves a lot of unpacking. Where the NIV says “godless in heart,” the Japanese says, “do not respect God from their heart.” Having a vague idea that God exists doesn’t cut it. If you fail to respect Him as the omnipotent, holy Creator that He is, then He might as well not exist for you. The fascinating part of this verse is the result of that attitude: resentment, or, as the Japanese has it, wrath, or deep anger. The irony is that resentment and anger will ruin anyone’s life. Countless studies have shown that gratitude is the key to genuine happiness, and resentment is the opposite of gratitude. As the English expression has it, such people cut off their nose to spite their face. Even when God puts them in tight circumstances to make them acknowledge their need for Him, they refuse to turn to Him for help. The irony is extreme, all the way around. I am reminded of that famous statement of David, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” (Psalm 53:1) I have always liked the re-punctuation of that sentence as, “The fool says, in his heart there is no God.” That fits today’s verse of failing to respect God. I say it again and again and again, but God doesn’t pick on us. Rather, He allows us to get into situations that should force us to recognize our helplessness without Him, so that we will turn to Him and open our hearts to Him. If we will do that, then we will discover that the trial was a blessing indeed.

I was raised with enough of an awareness of God that I don’t think I’ve ever resented Him or thought He was being unjust toward me. That has been a huge blessing! I have encountered many people who were mad at God for one reason or another. I will always remember one young man who was complaining about his circumstances, and I said to him, very simply, “So, you’re mad at God.” He was a sincere believer, and he reacted like I had kicked him in the stomach. He had a considerable attitude adjustment after that, and became a much happier person, as well as a dear friend. Throughout my life I have encountered things that I felt were less than ideal, but I remember John 16:33 and praise God anyway. One of the few times I have heard God in what seemed like an audible voice, I was lying in bed, thinking, “There are so many things I wish were different.” As clearly as if a person were standing right beside me, I heard, “How do you think I feel?” In that moment I understood that God is not pleased with much of what is going on, but He has a plan, and human free will is part of it. I am not to accuse Him, even in my mind, of being the author of evil, but seek to be His agent of good, with gratitude for the privilege.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Today is a very packed schedule, as are the following several days. Help me receive everything from Your hand with respect, obedience, and gratitude, so that all of Your purposes for everything may be fulfilled, on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!