It's all Over My Head

His T-shirt was over his head as he stood near his locker at the YMCA. We were talking about things of God that are allowed in our lives. The comment, “It’s all over my head” was a profound thought and response to our conversation. There is much in life that we don’t understand. There is war and illness, divorce, suffering and death.  It is all part of our walk on earth.  From a worldly perspective it can make a person angry or even bitter.  But from a spiritual and Biblical world-view there can be a better understanding and acceptance of these troubles and temptations.

Job was an amazing character in the Bible. He was a righteous man and God put him to the test against Satan. He allowed Satan to take everything from him except his life. This I do not understand. Job was asking God about this great suffering, even with “bitter complaint”, so would have I. He was a wise man and said, “God understands the way to it and He alone knows where it dwells (speaking of wisdom).” (Job 28:23). Job’s friends assumed that the troubles came because Job had sinned, a common and incorrect Old Testament view. When his wife told him to curse God and die, he answered, “Shall we not accept good from God, and not trouble” (Job 2:9).

God confronted Job in all his complaining to tell him that He, God was Creator and sovereign over all and in all. He asked Job about all His wondrous creation. Job said I know that you can d all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:2). Job came to a place where he could say, “My ears had heard you, but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes”(Job 42:5). God greatly blessed the rest of his life. Job had withstood the tests and came forth as gold” (Job 23:10). That is part of the answer. God wants us to submit and obey and receive the blessings, come forth as gold.

Yes in suffering we are to “Come near to God and He will come near to you” (James 4:8). For God will keep in perfect peace whose mind is steadfast on Him (Isaiah 26:3).

God also wants us to know that suffering is temporary “ for our momentary and light troubles are achieving for us eternal glory” (2Corinthians 4:17).  

Many things are over our head in life, beyond understanding. Some will become clearer through time. God will not tell us why, but He will tell us what to do and how to do it if we ask without doubting as James tells us. He also tells us that our trials are making us mature and complete lacking nothing. God wants us to ask for wisdom and seek His counsel always. That is the personal relationship He wants with each of us. So next time you are pulling your shirt over your head, know that you will come out from the dark in due time. Don’t let the world pull the wool over your eyes.