The High and Low Views of God

There is a saying, “We don’t see things as they are, but as we are.” This is never truer than in how we see God. 

Over the years I’ve found it interesting how people view and relate to God. In Christianity, it falls into two general categories. Some see him as the sovereign creator of the universe, holy, all-knowing, ever-present and eternal. They feel secure within his embrace and accepting of his judgment as well as his mercy.

Others see God as a large version of people. He’s like them, only bigger. He thinks, feels and behaves like they do, just on a grander scale. This is a more common view because, let’s face it, we’re our only point of reference. There’s another reason, though. They’ve never been taught what the Bible says about who God is.

Protestant reformer John Calvin wrote, “By the knowledge of God, I understand that by which we not only conceive that there is some God, but also apprehend what it is for our interest.” I don’t learn how to live by stuffing God into my human box. Rather, when I step out of my limited world into his vast one, I see a God who just might have a few things to teach me. 

God’s world isn’t a place I’m familiar with; it wasn’t conceived by my imagination, nor did it take shape out of my soul’s yearnings. No, I was born already shaped in his image, my spirit fine-tuned to his presence. 

In Job 36-37, Job’s young friend Elihu attempts to give him a hand up from his misery and guide him to a place where he’s ready to hear from the headliner: God himself. Elihu knows Job’s recovery will only come when he fixes his eyes upon the Lord. “Bear with me a little,” he says, “and I will show you, for I have yet something to say on God’s behalf” (Job 36:2, ESV). He lifts Job vison by saying, “Can you, like him, spread out the skies, hard as a cast metal mirror?” (Job 37:18). Take a look, Job! Can you see? 

In the grand finale of chapters 38-41, Job hears from God himself. It is a passage that will take your breath away. When the Lord is finished, Job has found his footing again in a new perspective, repentance, comfort and peace. Read Job 36-42 when your heart needs healing. You will find restoration right there in God’s presence.