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Job 40:3-5   Then Job answered the LORD:  “I am unworthy – how can I reply to you?  I put my hand over my mouth.  I spoke once, but I have no answer – twice, but I will say no more.”  (Rpt 2016)

Discontent is perhaps one of the most harmful ills that can plague the human soul.  Complaining about God’s providence in our lives, and trying to find someone to blame, not only does nothing to improve our lot, it can actually have a deleterious effect on our own wellbeing – mentally, emotionally, spiritually and even physically.

The apostle Paul wrote: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:12).  Paul spoke of the ‘secret’ of being content as if it is something we have to discover because our natural disposition is to be dissatisfied with our lot in life.  It is not surprising that the marketing/advertising industry exploits this inate weakness in all of us to the full!  Paul’s ‘secret’, of course, was being able to say with confidence: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

This is the ‘secret’ Job also discovered.  Because of all the unbelievably painful and seemingly unjust trials he had been facing, Job was probably in a more understandable position than most of us to complain loudly about God’s providence.  But instead, as the LORD reminded him by example after example of his omnipotent rule over all creation, Job accepted that it was better by far to “put a hand over my mouth” and not grumble.  Solomon made a similar discovery: “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God.  Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.  Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God.  God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few” (Ecclesiastes 5:2).

It’s a very hard secret to embrace (and I speak from experience!), especially when we are experiencing difficult, hurtful and confusing instances of God’s providence; but if we can embrace it, the spiritual rewards are infinitely better than the fruits of complaining!  Lord, please remind me of the truth of what I have just written, the next time I fail to ‘put my hand over my mouth’!

– Bruce Christian