Job 38:1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind: 2 “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? 3 Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me. 4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. 5 Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? 6 On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone 7 when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?

Job and his companions have been arguing as they seek to explain Job’s misfortune. The companions figure Job must have sinned terribly or he wouldn’t have suffered so. Job proclaims his innocence and accuses God of doing him wrong. This has gone on for 37 chapters, but finally God speaks.

“Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?”

The New Living Translation of the bible puts it this way,

“Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words?”

God expects Job and the others to trust him even when events don’t add up in their extremely limited understanding. The One who created and sustained Job will continue to do so. The same is true for you and me. Lord give us grace to trust you when the world appears to be falling apart. When the world makes no sense. When, like Job, we’re tempted to succumb to despair. Amen.