Job 23:3-5

"Oh, that I knew where I might find him,
that I might come even to his seat!

I would lay my case before him
and fill my mouth with arguments.

I would know what he would answer me
and understand what he would say to me."

Job was a righteous man. He had given his circumstance much thought (see vs 2, Hebrew word translated "complain"). He had reasons (or at least thought he had some) as to why he should be restored to favor with God.

As I look at my own life I don't find this is the case. I have not given deep thought as to why I'm in such a wretched state and I have no reasons to give as to why God should help me and treat me favorably. I can't say to God, as Job, "My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food" (11-12) and I do not share his unbridled confidence that "when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold" (10). I wish I had that. I wish I were a better man. But as it is, I can only trust that God will be merciful to me, a sinner.

Whether your Christian life resembles that of Job's or that of a 1st century tax collector, rejoice because God likes you and will help you with His perfect wisdom in the right time. We can all be confident that "he will complete what he appoints for me..." (14). Though, Job, as Matthew Henry says, here (13-16) makes "a bad use of good truths" we can avoid that mistake knowing the grace of God through Christ.

But sinner, if you are unrepentant, beware. God will complete what he appoints for you, "and many such things are in his mind."