Are we listening to the right voice?

Read Job 26.

What does a hurting person need?  What should one look for when seeking wise counsel?

The opening verses drip with Job's sarcasm directed at Bildad.  His friends have proved to be no help at all.  Looking behind the verbal barbs one can see what Job longed for.  This what every person wants from a counselor. Adhering to such an evaluation checklist should protect one from gossip sessions and wasting time and money on those who cannot provide what is needed.

1. When feeling helpless, one needs help.  Can this person actually provide something that I cannot?
2. When feeling powerless, one needs strength.  Does this person possess the maturity or resources needed?
3. When feeling a lack of insight, one needs wisdom.  Does this person have the learned experience to specifically help?
4. When feeling a lack of understanding, one needs knowledge.  Does this person know how to solve the problem?

To address Bildad's brief presentation about God, Job responded with his own.
1. God controls even the dead. (vv.5-6)
All souls live forever in some place after this life.  In torment or comfort, everyone is accounted for under His rule.
2. God controls space. (vv.7-10)
The placement of the earth, the movements of the waters and clouds, day and night, and even the shape of the earth (round, not flat) was by His doing.
3. God controls what happens on earth. (vv.11-14)
The mountains, the seas, the winds may be sustained by Him with peace, rather than earthquakes and storms.

While the greatness of God should capture our attention and humble us, the voice of God is most often heard in a "small whisper."  One must stop and give God glory for what He has done but then be silent, listening to what He has to say.

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.  Day to day pours out speech and night to night reveals knowledge." (Psalm 19:1-2)  God is speaking.  Are we listening?