Job 35:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

They further articulate that had God instituted a system of judgment and laid down commands, there would still be reluctance to uplift Him in reverence regarding current struggles perceived as punishment. While failing to praise God during trials may not appear overly concerning, the inability to honor Him amidst suffering, especially when anticipating divine judgment, is indeed significant.

If we can confront our actions in the presence of God without evasion, recalling that we have been brought into existence from nothing and that, despite once being in darkness, we have been granted illumination and have risen anew, we can navigate this introspection. As we contemplate these aspects of ourselves and acknowledge the blessings bestowed, we will not blame the weaknesses we bear but, instead fortified by numerous gifts, we shall not be overcome by despair. For when we remember past graces, we find renewed hope for what lies ahead. Thus, let us say, Even when you begin to speak, He will not listen; judge yourself before Him, and wait for Him. This implies that when God's mercies seem delayed, we should delve into our innermost thoughts, revealing our true state before Him while discerning what we have received in relation to our actions and His grace. Only then will we return to the assurance of hope, mindful of His tremendous goodness and emboldened to seek Him in times of trouble, ever remembering His kindness, even in light of our shortcomings. You have just cause to expect help from above, despite any previous lack of it. Be assured that God does not unjustly reject one whom He has graciously created.

Therefore, we should take heed of the peril in reflecting on past gifts while losing faith in future blessings; it is indeed dangerous when in the tempest of trials our spirits become shipwrecked by despair, even as we are tethered to hope by the endless bonds of what we have previously received. Hence, let it be rightly said, Condemn yourself before Him, and wait upon Him. For he who does not condemn himself before God does not truly await Him in his suffering. He may despair thinking that help will not arrive from the very One whose previous kindness he failed to acknowledge. By forgetting past kindnesses, he also forfeits the bountiful return of later blessings. Yet, behold, while we endure patiently for the consoling goodness, the wicked may proliferate their iniquities, continuing to act unpunished. Nevertheless, the Almighty God, in His grace, exercises patience towards sinners, granting them time for repentance, which, if unheeded, becomes further evidence of their guilt. He holds back His wrath, which will ultimately be unleashed without recourse. Thus, we see this truth clearly: