23 May Job 23

In Job 23, Job longs to find God, feeling He is hidden amidst his suffering. Job believes in his innocence and, despite not understanding God’s ways, trusts that God is refining him like gold through trials.

Will you pass the test?

Job 23:8-12 (MSG) “I travel East looking for him—I find no one; then West, but not a trace; I go North, but he’s hidden his tracks; then South, but not even a glimpse. 10-12 “But he knows where I am and what I’ve done. He can cross-examine me all he wants, and I’ll pass the test with honours. I’ve followed him closely, my feet in his footprints, not once swerving from his way. I’ve obeyed every word he’s spoken, and not just obeyed his advice—I’ve treasured it."

In this chapter, Job expresses his deep anguish. He feels isolated and cannot find God in his suffering, yet he remains determined to seek Him. Job shows an unshakable commitment to God, demonstrating a core attribute of true faith: persistence in seeking God, even when He seems distant. Job’s search for God, as described in Job 23:8-9 (NKJV), reflects his longing for God’s presence: “8 ‘Look, I go forward, but He is not there, And backward, but I cannot perceive Him; 9 When He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him; When He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him.’”

This longing shows the mark of a true believer—continuing to seek God even in the absence of His visible presence.

Job’s Confidence in God’s Purpose

Despite not sensing God’s presence, Job understands that his trials are a test of faith and refinement. Job is confident that once God’s test is complete, he will emerge as pure gold. Job’s faithfulness is remarkable; he continues to honour God by following His path, obeying every word. Enduring Word Commentary by David Guzik offers insight into Job's perspective:

1. Job trusts that God observes him and hasn’t forgotten him ("He knows the way that I take").

2. He believes his trial has a purpose beyond punishment ("when He has tested me").

3. Job has faith that the trial will end with something good ("I shall come forth as gold").

4. He understands that the fire he endures is a refining process, as only precious metal is tested in this way.

The Greek word for “test” has deep significance. In trials, "Peirasmos" and "Dokimion" refer to the process of proving character and faith, as explained by John F. MacArthur: "Dokimion means to put someone or something to the test, with the purpose of discovering the person’s nature or the thing’s quality." Trials test us to reveal and refine our character.

The Bible repeatedly confirms that trials serve a purpose. James 1:2-3 (NKJV) reminds us, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." Similarly, 1 Peter 1:6-7 (AMP) speaks of trials refining faith: "In this you rejoice greatly, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith… may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Testing, then, is a profound opportunity to strengthen our faith and alignment with God. Exodus 20:20 (AMP) shows that God tests His people so that reverence for Him will prevent sin: “Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you… so that you do not sin.’”

Job demonstrates his clear conscience, knowing he will pass the test. David likewise asked for God's examination of his heart, as seen in Psalm 26:2 (AMP): "Examine me, O Lord, and try me; Test my heart and my mind." Job does not only obey God’s commands but treasures them, as expressed in Job 23:12 (NIV): “I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.” For Job, God’s words are more valuable than sustenance itself.

Job’s Reverence

Job ends his discourse with a profound recognition of God’s majesty and his own humility. Job 23:15-17 (AMP) says, "Therefore I would be terrified at His presence; When I consider , I tremble in dread of Him. 16 ‘For God has made my heart faint, And the Almighty has terrified me, 17 But I am not silenced by the darkness… Nor by the thick darkness which covers my face.’”

David Guzik suggests that Job’s awe reveals his growing understanding that God can be trusted, loves him deeply, and is sovereign—even when His ways are mysterious. Psalm 23:4 (ESV) reassures us that, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”

Even in darkness, God’s light shines. Psalm 18:28 (ESV) says, "For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness." God’s light breaks through in times of trial, guiding us closer to Him. To worship God is to recognise Him as He reveals Himself. Daily, we have the choice to proclaim Him as merciful and sovereign, regardless of circumstances. Let us follow Job’s example, honouring God not just for blessings but for who He is. In doing so, we fulfil the test of true worship, affirming God’s greatness amidst all trials.