Before beginning this guided reflection activity, we recommend that you read Job 37:1-18 in your Bible at home or by clicking here. Once you have read the passage, you can begin the activity. While reading the verses, pause and think about the questions and commentary written in italics.
Guided Reflection of Job 37:1-18
At this my heart pounds and leaps from its place.
Listen! Listen to the roar of his voice.
To the rumbling that comes from his mouth.
(Pause)
Let your mind and heart pause and take a posture to listen.
He unleashes his lightning beneath the whole heaven
and sends it to the ends of the earth.
After that comes the sound of his roar;
he thunders with his majestic voice.
When his voice resounds,
he holds nothing back.
Absolutely nothing.
God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways.
Do you see it? Do you perceive it? He does great things beyond our understanding. Does that scare you?
He does great things beyond our understanding.
Does your inability to understand his actions frustrate you? He does great things beyond our understanding. Does your lack of understanding somehow bring you peace?
He says to the snow, “Fall on the earth,”
and to the rain shower, “Be a mighty downpour.”
So that everyone he has made may know his work,
he stops all people from their labor.
Think about that. So that everyone he has made may know his work, he stops all people from their labor. Rain showers, snow storms, and downpours that cause our work to cease, are meant to draw our attention to his work. He says to the snow, “Fall on the earth,” and to the rain shower, “Be a mighty downpour.” So that everyone he has made may know his work, he stops all people from their labor.
The animals take cover;
they remain in their dens.
The tempest comes out from its chamber,
the cold from the driving winds.
The breath of God produces ice
and the broad waters become frozen.
He loads the clouds with moisture;
he scatters his lightning through them.
At his direction they swirl around
over the face of the whole earth
to do whatever he commands them.
He is sovereign. He reigns. He is in control of the universe. He does as he pleases. He is wild. He is good. Rain shows his might in its fierceness and his loving care as it waters the earth.
Listen to this, stop and consider God’s wonders.
Imagine a snowy mountain.
Imagine a starry sky. Imagine a rose.
Imagine a fingerprint.
Imagine a giggle of a child.
Imagine your own heart.
Imagine the outstretched arms of Jesus on the cross.
The creator. Submitting to his creation.
As he gives his life to redeem it.
Do you know how God controls the clouds
and makes his lightning flash?
Do you know how the clouds hang poised,
those wonders of him who has perfect knowledge?
You who swelter in your clothes
when the land lies hushed under the south wind.
Can you join him in spreading out the skies?
Yet the God who transcends all, chooses to be near.
Like a parent who bends and stoops to their knee to speak with their child.
Pray
-Pastor Tyler Lemen
Associate Pastor of Family Ministries at Friends Community Church