I lay my hand on my mouth

I was recently reading from Job. This passage stuck out to me. It says the following:

Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you?

I lay my hand on my mouth.

I have spoken once, and I will not answer;

Twice, but I will proceed no further.

Job 40:3 - 4

Now, this verse on it's own might be confusing. It seems that Job is neglecting to answer God. But when put in to context, it holds much truth and an example of an attitude which I aspire to have.

The verse prior gives insight in to the context of the verse. It says the following:

Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty?

He who argues with God, let him answer it.

Job 40:2

So basically, God has asked Job if he understands how the universe was created (Job 38: 4 - 11) and if he has the wisdom to govern it and all it's creatures (Job 38:12-38). God then asks the question in the previous text I provided. Job's response to this question is laying his hand on his mouth. He is humbled. He recognizes his limited experience as a mortal and could not possibly question God as he is a depraved sinner, in need of God in all his goodness and grace. God name's Job as a faultfinder, and the questions asked allow Job to see himself as simply a human, with a drop of insight in the ocean that is God.

I need this attitude in my life. I so often question God's plans. I so often think that I know it all, and that I have the ability to give some incredible insight to God in regards to what I need or think would be good for my life and the life of others. What a fool I am. I head in to next year, so unsure of so many things. I want so badly to know what to do with my life. I have so many plans and ideas, but know that I cannot direct my own path. Proverbs 19:21 says Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 3:6 says In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. So much easier said than done, but my prayer is that I would just lay my hand on my mouth, knowing that God is sovereign, and has purpose, meaning and a plan for my life.

Now I understand that these verses lead to a bigger issue regarding God's justice in circumstances much larger then the menial problems in my life, but that would be an entire book! So, I have taken the verse, put it in to the context of my life, and pray it encourages you to aspire to this attitude as I am.

My life is yours God. I lay my hand on my mouth (or try to anyways).