The Position of Smallness

Job 40:4 "Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth." ESV

 

Chapter 39 continued where 38 left off. God laid out more things that He controls. This time it is centered on some of the animals that He created: The goat, donkey, ox, ostrich, horse, hawk, eagle. After laying all of this out in the last two chapters, what is Job's response? Only what it should be: "I am of small account. I can't talk. I putting my hands over my mouth so nothing comes out." Even though Job had just been through the toughest time anyone could imagine, he still did not have the authority or wisdom to answer God. God was too huge and he was too small.

 

That is the best position to be in…the position of smallness. The realization that I am nothing and God is everything. As a result, I can't question God. I can't answer God. All I can do is sit still and be silent.

 

This is a good reminder to me. I must remember that everything that I have, every ability that I possess, every ministry that I may be involved in is all from God. I can't lay claim to any of it. I can't selfishly say: "This is mine." I have to hold on to things and positions loosely. I have to come to God with opens hands and a shut mouth. Why? Because "I am of small account". God controls it all. God oversees it all. God orchestrates it all. I am simply His instrument to use where He desires.

 

This position of smallness, that of open hands and a shut mouth is a position of humility. This is a position of freedom. This is a position of peace. It is the right position before a holy God.