“Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind: Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.” -Job 38:1-3

Our attitude is one thing we can control

We begin a new series for May about our attitudes. There is little we can do to control the circumstances or the people in our lives, and we aren’t supposed to control them anyways. The one thing we are in charge of is ourselves, our attitude, and our response to life. The surest way to survive a challenging season is to do it with an attitude that pleases God. This month we’ll be looking at the different ways to move past our bad attitudes and be able to recognize the goodness of God, even when life is hard.

I’m optimistic by nature and have the strength of positivity, but even I wrestle with an occasional bad attitude, whether it’s about work, family, or the difficult situation I’m facing. During one particularly challenging season, I remember being upset with how I perceived God was treating me. I didn’t find my situation fair or just. I was sucked into the “why me” realm of negativity and self-pity.

When believers go through difficult trials, they often compare their story to the life of Job in the Old Testament. Job was a devout man, who loved God, had impeccable integrity, a successful business, abundant wealth, a large family, and servants. He was well respected. Here’s some excerpts from Job’s story.

Satan is roaming the earth, and he asks God what is going on. God shows him Job and Satan says, ”Job has good reason to fear God. You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is! But reach out and take away everything he has and he will surely curse you to your face.” - Job 1:9-11

So, God allows it, and Satan takes everything from Job: his property, his servants, and his children. Job tore his clothing in grief and shaved his head, yet he did not curse God.

The next test for Job was when Satan covered his body with boils from his head to the tips of his toes. Satan thought he would surely curse God if his health was taken. Job cried out to God in anguish, and his friends who initially come to comfort him, encourage him to curse God and die. His wife also takes this harsh stance.

Job takes his case up with God, he complains freely and unashamedly (Haven’t we all done this?) Job wants to argue his case with God and wants to ask God if he’s sinned. His friends continually rebuke him and find fault with his complaining, as they are just tired of hearing Job go on and on about how hard his life is.

The middle chapters are the discussion between Job and his friends. Job eventually asks God why the wicked aren’t punished. Job speaks about his wisdom, innocence, the blessing of God on his life, and his anguish. In chapter 32, Job’s words end and his friends over a few rebuttals, but my favorite books of Job are Chapter 38-41, where God speaks.

God Speaks

Any time we come to a heading in the Word of God which says, “God Speaks”, we should pay special attention to these passages. Here’s God’s response to Job:

“Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind; “Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them. “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me if you know so much? Who determined it’s dimensions and stretched out the surveying line? What supports it’s foundations, and who laid it’s cornerstone as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?

Who kept the sea inside it’s boundaries as it burst forth from the womb, and as I clothed it with clouds and wrapped it in thick darkness? For I locked it behind barred gates, limiting it’s shores. I said, “this far and no farther will you come. Here your proud waves stop!” Job 38:1-11

“Have you ever commanded the morning to appear and caused the dawn to rise in the east? Have you made daylight spread to the ends of the earth, to bring an end to the night’s wickedness? As the light approaches, the earth takes shape like clay pressed beneath a seal;it is robed in brilliant colors. This light disturbs the wicked and stops the arm that is raised in violence.” Job 38:12-15

“Have you explored the springs from which the seas come? Have you explored their depths? Do you know where the gates of death are located? Have you seen the gates of utter gloom? Do you realize the extent of the earth? Tell me if you know!”- Job 38:16-18

God continues his response to Job for the next three chapters. God describes his creative power, wisdom and strength. It leaves me breathless and in awe of Him every time I read it. It helps me gain the proper perspective of who God is. He is mighty, wise, powerful, and to be revered. He is big; I am small. He is God. He is in control, and I am not.

When I find myself facing a difficult season, I want answers. I want to know why and how can I get out of this hardship. When I spend too much time focusing on the difficulty, that’s when my attitude turns bitter.

Going back to these passages in Job help me realize how amazing God is. He’s infinitely powerful and wise, yet He knows my every need before I even ask. How can I be upset with Him when He is so wise and powerful?

We need to remember God is good, Satan is not! Satan is the one who lies and tells us we won’t make it through our difficult days. Job made it. He passed the test. He was humbled and recognized the greatness of our God. The faithfulness of God was revealed when Job was restored in all ways. His health, wealth, servants, and family were all restored in the last chapter. Job Chapter 42 might be one of my favorite books of the Bible. Yes, Job suffered immensely, unlike anyone I’ve ever know personally, because I know people who’ve lost some things, but not everything like Job did.

So hang on til the end and keep your eyes on God. When you begin to doubt what God is allowing in your life, go to these chapters in Job because it will renew your perspective and help you see how great our God truly is.

Dear Papa, I thank you for the story of Job. Though it is hard for me to read how one man suffered so, It helps me reorient my negative attitude to something positive. Open my eyes to see Your greatness in Chapters 48-51 when you speak to Job. I want to stand in awe of You and Your greatness. I want to revere You even in my difficult situation. Use this story to change me because You love me. Help me to understand there are other people who are suffering too, and many worse than me. May my suffering move me to compassion for the hurting. Bring restoration to my life, the way you did Job. I trust Your perfect timing. Amen.

Still struggling with a bad attitude?

Maybe this will help.

If you’re having trouble with your attitude maybe this free guide will help you. I’ve created a Checklist to help you get to a better place. Just click on the image and leave your name and email, so I know where to send it.