Where Were You?

"Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding."

-- Job 38:4

Job lost everything, and could not understand why. He sought counsel from his friends and leaders of the temple. How could so many bad things befall a believer such as he. He even questioned God, that He could allow this to happen to him, of all people. Job knew he did not deserve such a fate. When seeking counsel of the wise religious men, in his arrogance he counted off all the good he had done. And he spoke as if astounded that the Almighty did not listen to his pleas for help, did not hear his cries, would not answer his prayers.

After many tried to chastise him for such questioning of God, it is recorded that "the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind" (Job 38:1). And the Lord held nothing back, pulled no punches, in quickly putting Job in his place. I can almost hear that thunderous voice now: "Who are you to question Me? Who are you to doubt My intentions, to second-guess my promises, to call Me to task for what you think I do or don't do? Who are you to think himself smarter or more capable than the Master of Creation?"

There are a few instances recorded in the Old Testament where we can see God angry at the behavior of His children. While anger is certainly a human emotion, we can surely understand how even He could suffer it, considering how frustrating it must be for the Almighty, the Omnipotent, the Ever Present to have to deal with we silly humans. This is surely one of those times when God was just downright mad. How dare Job think he knows better! And in His frustration he finally answers, saying "Where were you when I created everything you see? If you know so much, tell me: Where were you and what did you have to do with any of it?"

Sometimes I hear God asking me "Where were you?", usually when I start to question Him, wondering why so many good people seem to suffer so much. In my heart I can see Him shaking His head and saying "If you know so much, tell Me where you were when I created the world you live in. Don't question Me, child. Just do those things you know you are supposed to do and leave the world to Me." And of course, being the intelligent adult male that I am, I don't much appreciate being told what to do. But I eventually open my heart and listen and obey, realizing how little I truly understand about the known universe. There is so much I can see with my eyes that I cannot fully understand. How could I even hope to grasp all the marvels that my God has created?

But other times I hear God speak those words, "Where were you?", when I have forgotten to do just those things His Son instructed. When I miss the opportunity to speak up for Him, when I pass by someone I know desperately needs my help, when I can't take time to get involved and make a difference in this world, I hear those words. They start as a whisper, barely audible above the breeze. Then they grow, in strength and intensity, until they thunder throughout my very being, echoing in every corner of my soul. "Where were you?", He shouts, His frustration with me building. I know God loves me, and I also know He can be disappointed in me when I do not choose the right course. "Where were you?", He accuses! "Where were you!?!"

Sometimes it takes me a while, for I am human, but I finally do get it, I finally understand my own lack of understanding. And I put my trust in God. I am here, Lord. Right here. Use me as You will.