By: Carole L. Haines
“Who has put wisdom in the innermost being,
Or given understanding to the mind?” (Job 38:36)
We are continuing to reflect on what God calls us to in our Innermost being. The term “Innermost being” is only one word in the Original Hebrew language meaning: inner regions, hidden recesses, inward parts. So, what we think about, what our motives are, our inner workings. This is the depth to which God wants to bring us into truth and wisdom.
On a shallower level, we are often offered other means of change, such as behavior modification, but this will only scratch the surface of the changes needed in our lives. God’s Word tells us this:
“If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of man? These are matters which do have the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and humility and severe treatment of the body but are of no value against fleshly indulgence. (Colossians 2:20-23)
Scripture refers to the decrees of “do not handle, do not taste, do not touch, as well as severe treatment of the body” as the elementary principles of the world. This is behavior modification and according to the Scripture above, it is of no value against fleshly indulgence. True change must start with God’s truth penetrating to the innermost part of our being, as stated in our key verse for the day.
“Who has put wisdom in the innermost being,
Or given understanding to the mind?” (Job 38:36)
We gain so much from knowing the backstory of a verse in the Scriptures. The backstory for this verse is the Discourse between God and Job. I love the whole Book of Job, but my favorite chapters are the last several ones. Here’s how God begins to answer Job:
“Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind and said, “Who is this who darkens the divine plan by words without knowledge? Now tighten the belt on your waist like a man, and I shall ask you, and you inform Me!” (Job 38:1-3)
Boom Baby! I mean whoa! Have you ever had God cut in on a thought process or a conversation like that? I have, and I am so grateful for the Lord’s loving correction. Truly He loves us too much to leave us as we are. He is such a great and awesome God. If you get a chance, read all of the Book of Job, but especially chapters 38 through the end. The story of Job can teach us so much about Wisdom. I will close today with Job’s response after a couple chapters of God’s loving rebuke.
“Then the Lord said to Job, “Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who rebukes God give an answer.” Then Job answered the Lord and said, “Behold, I am insignificant; what can I say in response to You? I put my hand on my mouth. I have spoken once, and I will not reply; or twice, and I will add nothing more.” (Job 40:1-5)
God, You are so amazing, so awesome and filled with wonders. Thank you for correcting us when we complain or object to what You are allowing in our lives. Lord, it is a hard life down here, but You are the one constant. We can rest in You because You are faithful and never change, as life does. Thank You God, thank you for loving us enough to call us to truth and wisdom in our hidden places, the innermost parts of who we are. Amen.
Be Blessed, Dear Believer.
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