I wish God was like my neighbor: Job 16:21

"O that a man might plead with God as a man with his neighbor!" (Job 16:21)

Job was not really saying that he wished God was like his neighbor Jeribobman (yes, I did make up the name to protect the innocent). But, from Job's perspective, God was a far off, God was unapproachable, and God was out of reach. Job was wishing that God was like his neighbor, in the sense that he could lean over the fence and work out this issue that has come between he and God. Job was wishing that God was a man like himself, that he and God were as equals. But God was God. So how could Job plead his case before a high and exalted God? Would God even pay attention to his cause and listen to his plea?

When we are going though a difficult time, last thing we need is a God who is like us. What we need is a God who is bigger than ourselves and bigger than our problems. David said, "From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I." (Psalms 61:2) When David's heart was faint, he looked for something that was bigger than his heart. He wanted something that was sure, something steadfast, something he could anchor his life to. When we face our most difficult times, its nice to know that there is nothing too big for our God. After all, if God was just like us, we would all be doomed.

But just because God is God, it does not mean that He is out of reach. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalms 46:1) At times it may not seem very apparent, but it is none the less true. Even if we cannot see it, God is always near and ready to help in our time of need.

David Robison