Date: 01-30-2021

Title: Well, Shut My Mouth

(S) cripture:
    Job 40:1-5 (NLT2) Then the LORD said to Job, 2 “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?” 3 Then Job replied to the LORD, 4 “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. 5 I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.”

(O) bservation:
    God has challenged Job with some penetrating questions about Job’s understanding and assumptions about God. Job recognizes the truth of what God is saying and responds by keeping quiet so he can listen.

(A) pplication:
    I think it was Abraham Lincoln that said, “Better to keep silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” I see this lesson in the passage today and need to heed it in mine. Over and over in my life I have spoken when silence would have been the best choice. Since I know that God is in control why do I try to manipulate things? At times I must think that I know better than the Lord, but we all know that that is not true. I want to be content in my life and trust that The Lord has a plan in place for me. Today as I walk with the Lord I want to listen, keep my mouth shut and only speak when it is necessary.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, teach me when to speak and when to be silent. Let me come to you in reverence. Let me hear your voice clearly and then respond appropriately. Let me walk by faith with you today. Open my ears that I might hear you today. Amen