“Moreover the Lord answered Job, and said, Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct Him? He that reproveth God, let him answer it. Then Job answered the LORD, and said, Behold I am vile; what shall I answer Thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth” (Job 40:1-4).

Job had been crushed with the disastrous events that wiped out his business, his wealth, his health, and especially devastated him with the death of his children. His friends came and gave awful advice, blaming him for the tragic events. Job is so confused and broken-hearted. Then God spoke. God revealed Himself as the awesome, sovereign, perfect, majestic God Who makes no mistakes. When God asked Job if he wanted to instruct and reprove Him, Job did what anyone in similar situations should do. He saw his own wretchedness and closed his lips before saying something that he would later regret. While we probably will never suffer to the extent of Job, when we do go through trials in life, we will be wise to be careful what we say in anger and resentment. God is God. He makes no mistakes. He is awesome in everything He does. Our hand over our mouths may at times just be the best exercise we will get all day.

For today: Our God is Almighty, and we are not. May the Lord help me to understand this excellent principle!