Job 23:1-12 …… Then Job answered: “Today also my complaint is bitter; God’s hand is heavy despite my groaning. Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, that I might come even to His dwelling! I would lay my case before God, and fill my mouth with arguments. I would learn what God would answer me, and understand what God would say to me. Would He contend with me in the greatness of power? No; but He would give heed to me. There an upright person could reason with God, and I should be acquitted forever by my judge. If I go forward, God is not there; or backward, I cannot perceive Him; on the left God hides, and I cannot behold him; I turn to the right, but I cannot see Him. But God knows the way that I take; when I am tested, I shall come out like gold. My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept God’s way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandments; I have treasured in my bosom the words of God’s mouth."
God does not need protection from the honest and searching words of our hearts. Instead – God invites us into honest conversation – even if it is filled with raw emotion, and questioning complaint. That's is not of a lack or denial of faith – but a faith that is real – and willing to struggle with unanswered – and sometimes unanswerable – questions by hanging on to God in the heart of the storm.