This post was last updated on September 26, 2025

Day 248, Year 1

The Key to Not Blaming God

“In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.” (Job 1:22 NKJV)

The word “wrong” in today’s verse is tiphlah in Hebrew. It also means “unsavoriness, unseemliness, silly, or foolish.” In other words, after experiencing all those misfortunes, Job did not perceive God’s permissible actions as unreasonable or inappropriate, nor did he find Him displeasing. When people face misfortune, they often find it difficult to thank God, but instead may even blame Him, which can lead to sin. They believe that if God does something bad or allows it to happen, He is unreasonable, negligent, and devoid of love or justice. Those who blame God mistakenly believe that the occurrence of certain events can negate God’s sovereignty or legitimacy. They often assert that God should not let undesirable things happen. When those things do happen, God is no longer qualified to be their God. Yet, the legitimacy of God should not be determined by human experiences or evaluations, but by His own sovereignty and will over all. To regard the Most High God as our own God is to first assume that He has His reason for everything. When we do not understand something, instead of complaining or resenting God, we should humbly ask Him to reveal His will and the reason behind it.

In view of this, those who judge God have already tried to limit God. To put it another way, they believe themselves to be smarter than God and more suited to be the god. Often, people set boundaries for God even before any unwanted events occur. Conversely, to acknowledge God as our own God, we must first remove all limitations or expectations upon Him. Letting God have the freedom to manifest as God to the greatest extent is the key for anyone who desires to truly understand the God of the Bible. 

Many people have an idolatrous mentality. Whether consciously or unconsciously, they view God as their servant, allowing Him only to bestow blessings, but not misfortunes. Idolaters do not allow their idols to do anything that exceeds their expectations. The bigger issue behind this is that such people miss out on opportunities to learn and grow through tribulations or adversities. To be willing to let God be our God is to affirm His supreme sovereignty and absolute authority over us, to let Him decide whether we may receive blessings or face misfortunes, and to welcome God to do anything beyond our expectations. This is the secret to Jobs’ capability to praise God even amid his sufferings.

Reflection questions:

1) Do you agree that God has a reason for everything He does or allows? Why?

2) Are you willing to let God go beyond your expectations and wishes, making a way for Him to freely do whatever He pleases in you and on you? Why?