Job 23
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
There was a man. His name was Job. Job was very sad. So very sad.
Job had lost so much. His house. His animals. And he was sick too. His whole body hurt.
Job sat on the ground. He looked up. He wanted to talk to God. He wanted to see God.
"Where are you, God?" said Job. "I look to the front. I do not see you. I look to the back. I do not see you. I look left. I do not see you. I look right. I also do not see you."
Job felt all alone. He was a little scared. His heart was heavy, like a stone.
But then Job thought. He thought very hard. And he said something beautiful. He said, "God does not see me. But God knows me! God knows exactly where I am. God knows every step I take."
What Does This Mean?
Job could not see God. But God saw Job. All the time. Even when it was dark. Even when Job was crying.
God never lost Job. Not for one little moment.
The Common Thread
Sometimes we cannot see God. But God always sees us. That is a big, warm promise.
And listen. God sent Jesus. Jesus came very close. So close you could touch Him. Jesus said, "I am with you. Always."
Even when you cannot see Jesus with your eyes, He is there. Really there. Like the wind. You do not see the wind. But you feel it on your cheeks.
For You
Have you ever been in the dark? At night, in your bed? It is very dark. You cannot see Mommy. You cannot see Daddy.
But Mommy and Daddy are still there. In the other room. And God is there too. Right next to your bed.
God sees you when you are happy. God sees you when you are sad. God sees you when you laugh. God sees you when you cry.
You do not have to look very hard. God already knows where you are. He knows your name. He knows your little toes and your little nose. He knows your hair.
You are never, ever alone. God is always close.
Talk About It
Have you ever been sad, like Job? What did you do?
Where is God when you are in your bed at night?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Sometimes I cannot see you. But you can see me. Thank you, God.
You know my name. You know where I am. You are with me in the day. You are with me at night.
Thank you that I am never alone.
Amen.
Questions about Job 23
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Job 23 about?
What does Job 23 say?
What does Job 23 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Job 23?
Why is Job 23 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Job can say in one breath that God knows the way he takes, and then, "For God has made my heart faint. The Almighty has terrified me." He never tidies that contradiction away. Faith here is not calm. It is a man still speaking to the One who frightens him. If your prayers come out shaky, you are in old company.
Job doesn't just want to win his case. He wants to hear a voice: "I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would tell me." That's a different hunger than getting your way. And when God finally spoke, Job got no explanation for his suffering. He got God. Could that be enough for you?
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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