Hearing His Voice #294

Do you still want to argue with the Almighty?

Job 40:2

FROM THE HEART OF GOD

“I have never been one to suppress a good conversation. Abraham tried to persuade Me, Jacob wrestled with Me, Moses argued with Me, David vented at Me, Habakkuk questioned Me. . . . I have a long history of contentious conversations with My people. And I actually enjoy the interactions. I entered into those conversations willingly and allowed Myself to be moved by them. I invite you—even urge you—to be completely, audaciously honest with Me.

“I want you to speak with Me as a friend, but I also want you to know the gap I had to bridge for us to have that kind of relationship. My thoughts are higher than yours by far more than you can imagine, and your brokenness has taken you lower than you could ever fear. I’ve raised you up to enormous heights, and I’ve lowered Myself to staggering depths, and there in that middle place we meet. Do you still want to argue with Me? You can, but know what it took to make the conversation even possible. Present your best case to Me. But realize how much higher My wisdom is, and listen to it.

“You can have any conversation you want with Me, as long as you remember the gap I bridged. If you saw Me in My glory, you would fall on your face in awe and even fear. And if you knew the depths of your former fallenness, you would make every effort to hide. Now, knowing that, come boldly into My throne room for our sacred conversations. Know Me as your closest friend. Don’t shrink back. But never take this friendship for granted. You are always and forever on holy ground. Assume the infinite wisdom of the one to whom you speak.”

Lord, I realize I have no right to argue with You. Yet You have invited so many of Your friends into brutally honest conversations with You. What’s the right balance? Do I fall on my face or come boldly to Your throne? Teach me to contend with You with honor.