Job was very righteous and could not understand why a great calamity had befallen him. He felt it was unjust and fought eloquently for his innocence, even making accusations against the Almighty.
With the statement quoted above, Elihu made it clear that he was missing four statements in the words Job had addressed to God:
- I will bear my punishment.
- I will do no more evil.
- Show me what I do not see.
- If I have done wrong, I will do it no more.
Job was to submit to God’s discipline and put away all the evil and injustice he was aware of. Job was also to pray humbly: “What I do not see, show me”. An essential request – for us, too!
Understanding hidden sins
There may be transgressions in our lives that we have not yet discovered. Our conscience may not accuse us, but that does not mean that all is well (cf. 1 Cor 4:4; Lev 4:2).
All our sins are open to God, as Moses said: “You have set our iniquities before you, our hidden deeds before the light of your face” (Ps 90:8). But the question is whether we are aware of all the sins that rob us of our spiritual strength and impair our spiritual discernment.
An unconscious sin will certainly not have as far-reaching an effect as a sin in which the will of God is consciously disregarded. When a sin is committed unconsciously, it does not exclude the enjoyment of fellowship with God, which is undoubtedly the case with a deliberate transgression.
Discovering hidden sins
We should pray to discover our hidden sins to understand God’s perspective on our lives. This will protect us from wrong and evil ways.
David’s prayer can be ours: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts. And see if there is any way of trouble with me, and lead me in the path of eternal life” (Ps 139:23, 24).
Being cleansed of hidden sins
If, under the influence of God’s Word, we discover a bad attitude or wrongdoing in ourselves, let us confess it honestly and openly to our God and allow ourselves to be changed with His help.
A deceptive characteristic of our hearts is that we sometimes consciously do not seek the light of God because we know that it might condemn our behavior. We instinctively realize something is wrong with us and deliberately do not pursue it. This is entirely wrong and contrary to wanting to make things right before God and live for His glory.
David already prayed: “Cleanse me from my hidden sins!” (Ps 19:13). This cleansing takes place when we confess. Then, we are freed from all unrighteousness and receive the full joy and spiritual strength God wants to give us.
May we pray more sincerely: “What I do not see, you show me.”
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