Job 13:20

Spare me from only two things,

   That I need not cower in Your presence,

Ask the impossible and it still won’t happen. One of the many ways that Christians try to encourage others with quotes like ‘Anything is possible with God.’ But let us remember that God does not change. He is not going to not be Holy. This ask of Job just seems a step too far.

‘Spare’ was also ‘grant’ and ‘do not do to me’.

‘Cower’ was ‘hide from’ in every source. Not sure exactly why I didn’t use that. ‘Your presence’ was also ‘Your Face’ or ‘You’.

I would actually respond better to one of the asks being ‘That I do not feel the need to hide from you.’ But I do not think that is what Job is saying. Job wants to argue with Him in court, and in order to do that, he must not cower in fear. The song ‘I Can Only Imagine’ brings me to this point every time where I know that God is so great that I have no business doing anything except cower in His presence.

The counter to this is that I remember all the times my kids have been too scared to ask me something. Well, to ask me for something. I laugh because I feel that the worse thing I can do is just say no. I never really project myself as intimidating or having a cowering presence, but I do not put myself in their shoes. I do everything I can for them and just want what’s best for them. But I do give the impression that I do not change and will not allow bad things to be sanctioned.

Of course, the Lord’s prayer starts with ‘Our Father’ showing that we are to approach and ask Him. If we never struggled to approach Him, the lead in would be different. I like to picture getting a great big hug every time I go to ask Him something. Recognition that He does indeed love me as a child of His. I need to figure out how to project this into my life for my kids, and for everyone else who I may be able to encourage or help. It will be interesting to see what the other of the two things is.

Written 5/16/2024, Posted 8/11/24, Job 303