I can’t find Him, but He knows my path

There is an interesting statement of faith in Job 23.8-10. Job continued in verse 11 reaffirming his obedience to God's ways.

Job was walking blind, flying by the seat of his pants...he saw no confirmation from God, now, in anything he had attempted. He seemed to feel that no matter which way he turned, nor what he did, he couldn't find evidence that God was directing or approving. 

Evidence! Proof! Folks today who want such are still feeling a need for verification of the existence of God. One the one hand these folks are able to say that He is the "God who is there..." out there, somewhere, but is He the God who is HERE? Where is He in my life? I haven't heard from Him about this situation.

Job was saying that regardless which way he turned, he couldn't seem to find God. He didn't know where God was. 

Welcome to the world of walking by faith. Job said, "My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread." Job had no clear vision or prophetic dream guiding him. He had no voice from heaven nor affirming signs verifying his choices.

Job kept on plodding. His direction was determined by his sense of what was right and what was wrong. He felt he knew what God expected by way of "commands" and his knowledge of "the words of his (God's) mouth..."

There was no relativism in Job. He wasn't looking for excuse in the past - he was looking for vindication in the future. He felt he knew what God expected of him, and of all humanity. Job had been faithful and determined in walking according to the last "words" he had from God and not deviating unless and until he heard from God something different than that which was already known.

This determination was Job's pattern for walking by faith. It was Job's goal to be found pleasing to God. Job just knew, without any evidence to present to his friends, that when this would be over, he would "come forth as gold." Job knew this because, as he said, "(God) knows the way that I take..."

Generally the emphasis is on "knows" but I think the emphasis should be on "I" and should be read in this way, "He knows the way that I take..." It isn't nearly as important for us to know where God is, as it is important for us to know that He knows where WE are!

The Apostle Paul said, "We live by faith, not by sight...So we make it our goal to please him...For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."

So, my friend, keep on doing what is right. God knows where you are. Eventually God will bring you out of the fire - as precious as pure gold. We don't need to hear a voice from heaven since we already know what is right and what is wrong.