What Powerful Truths Do We Learn about God from Job 38?
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One could argue that the book of Job stands out as one of the most thought-provoking books in the Bible. Through the life of a man filled with indescribable suffering, it prompts us to question the very nature of God, justice, and what it means to be human.
By the time we reach chapter 38, we have read about Job wrestling with his pain, questioning God, and searching for answers. While Job and his friends do much of the speaking, God remains silent until we reach chapter 38. When God finally speaks, he doesn’t offer explanations — he offers revelation.
God asks questions that lead Job to consider the greatness of his creation, and through this, we learn some powerful truths about who God is. Let’s dive into these verses and explore what they reveal about God’s character and His relationship with us.
1. God Is Sovereign over Creation
“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand” (Job 38:4).
The first thing we see in Job 38:4 is God’s absolute sovereignty over creation. God's question to Job – “Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?” – serves as a reminder to Job, and to all of us, about the immense contrast between the Creator and the creation.
God is the author of the universe. He is the one who declared let there be and there was. His voice formed everything in all creation except man, who he formed from the dust of the earth. By reminding Job of this, he is refocusing Job on God’s sovereign position over all creation. God wanted Job to reflect, because he wanted humility and a sense of awe to rise in Job’s heart, despite all the difficulties he had previously experienced.
When the storms of life come (and it is a matter of when, not if), having your faith anchored to a God who is sovereign can help carry you through the storm. This does not mean the storm will be easier, but it gives you confidence that you will make it through, because your hope is in the one who is in control of everything.
2. God Has Infinite Wisdom and We Don’t
“Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it?” (Job 38:5).
God did not ask Job one question in these verses; he asked him several. The purpose of these questions was to help Job think, not for Job to answer them. I don’t know about you, but just hearing these questions immediately fills me with a sense of awe, reminding me of God's greatness. These questions highlight God’s infinite wisdom.
When you think about what God is asking Job, he is reminding him that this universe did not come together by chance or circumstance. It was meticulously crafted by the wisdom of God. Just note if the earth was slightly closer to the sun, we would burn up, and if we were slightly farther away, we would freeze. This is a small reflection of the wisdom and intention of God.
We will never comprehend the full wisdom of God in this life, nor will we ever be able to decipher all his ways. Because God is infinite, I believe it will take all eternity to fully grasp the infinite wisdom of God. As for now, his understanding is far beyond ours, which makes our wisdom small in comparison.
“For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25).
In our finite minds, we will not always comprehend why things happen the way they do, but we can trust that God’s wisdom is perfect. He knows the end from the beginning, and his ways are always good, even when we cannot see it.
3. God Is the Sustainer of All Things
“On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone” (Job 38:6-7).
Job 38:6 further emphasizes God’s power and authority over all creation, but it goes a step further. The reference to the cornerstone carries weight because of its role in ancient architecture. As the initial stone laid in a building's foundation, it held the power to determine the positioning and overall design of the entire structure. By laying the cornerstone of the earth, God determined how the world would be created and how the world will operate.
Just think of how the galaxies function and how the earth revolves around the sun. None of this happened by accident, and none of this continues on its own. There is a God in heaven who sits at the center of it all.
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16-17).
When you face the uncertainties of life, you may sometimes feel overwhelmed and powerless. That’s when you need to remind yourself who is in control. If God can set the earth on its foundations, and sustain it all, then surely he can help and sustain you. The one who holds the universe together holds you just as well. If he cares for all of creation, then be certain he cares for you and he will take care of you.
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26).
4. Even Creation Recognizes God’s Glory and Majesty
“While the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” (Job 38:7).
Finally, Job 38:7 points to the glory and majesty of God. The image of worship and adoration is vividly portrayed through the mention of the morning stars twinkling and the angels singing and shouting in perfect harmony during creation. From that point forward, the entire universe acknowledges the magnificence of God and echoes with praise. That’s why the Psalmist wrote this verse:
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1).
The ultimate purpose of our lives and all creation is to bring glory to God. Nature does it by design and we do it by choice. When you look at the world around you — the beauty of a sunset, the glory of a rainbow that appears after a storm, or even a majestic snowcapped mountain — they should all point you back to the majesty and glory of God. Because his glory is on display.
When you comprehend God’s glory, it should lead you to worship, and this should happen regardless of what is happening in your life. If you feel overwhelmed or discouraged, lifting your eyes and focusing on the majesty and glory of God can bring you peace, perspective, and a reassurance of who God really is. He is the creator and sustainer of all things, and he is worthy of your praise.
God Is Greater
As you reflect on Job, and these truths, let there be one thought that remains. God is greater, wiser, and more powerful. If your situation is overwhelming, remember God is greater. When you are unsure of the next steps to take, remember God is wiser. When you come to the place where you cannot stand any longer, remember God is more powerful. The enduring lesson from Job is to constantly remind yourself of who God is. Sometimes that gets lost in the issues of life and that’s why God needs to ask us these types of questions from time to time.
It is great to know that he is God. It is better to know he still sits on the throne and even better still to know he cares about every detail of your life. This is the amazing God we serve.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
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