Job Responds: He Longs for God
1 Then Job answered,
2 “Today my complaint is bitter.
His hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.
3 Oh that I knew where I might find him!
That I might come to his seat!
4 I would set my cause in order before him
and fill my mouth with arguments.
5 I would know the words which he would answer me
and understand what he would tell me.
6 Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?
No, but he would listen to me.
7 There the upright might reason with him,
so I should be delivered forever from my judge.
8 If I go east, he is not there;
if west, I cannot find him.
9 He is at work to the north, but I cannot see him.
He turns south, but I cannot catch a glimpse of him.
10 But he knows the way that I take.
When he has tried me, I will come out like gold.
11 My foot has held fast to his steps.
I have kept his way and not turned away.
12 I have not gone back from the commandment of his lips.
I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
13 But he stands alone, and who can oppose him?
Whatever he desires, that, he does.
14 He accomplishes that which is appointed for me.
Many such things, he has planned.
15 Therefore I am terrified at his presence.
When I contemplate, I am afraid of him.
16 For God has made my heart faint.
The Almighty has terrified me.
17 Because I was not cut off before the darkness,
nor did he cover the thick darkness from my face.