Job 23:4-5

4 I would order [`arak] my cause [mishpat] before [paniym] him, and fill [male'] my mouth [peh] with arguments [towkechah].

5 I would know [yada`] the words [millah] which he would answer [`anah] me, and understand [biyn] what he would say ['amar] unto me. KJV-Interlinear

4 'I would present my case before Him And fill my mouth with arguments. 5 'I would learn the words which He would answer, And perceive what He would say to me. NASB

Thought we are over half way through the study of Job, I have not mentioned it before, but you most likely have noticed that Job is filled with fundamental doctrines, so many of which have been used in many of the other books of the Bible, not only in the New Testament, but also in the Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah and other books.

Heb. 4:16

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Job has stated his case before his friends, and they have met him with closed ears. Without viewing the facts, even though they have had knowledge of them through their acquaintance with Job, his friends who outnumber him in this matter, have now fallen silent. Well, Bildad has one last say, but in their closing arguments, all three will stick to their predetermined and biased decision regarding Job.

And yet, Job is the one who is suffering here, and as far as anyone is concerned, he is teetering on the edge of death, but he is able to come up with more and better arguments than all three, and soon a fourth friend.

Any mature believer, who is worth his salt in his spiritual life, will have one of these discussions with God. Life can be so difficult at times, such that going outside and shouting at the sky may seem ridiculous, but it sure helps the emotions. Just don't let anyone see you! Could be embarrassing these days.

Most people, when they get angry or frustrated in life, get overly emotional. They yell and scream, and curse and blame, presumably because if they can out shout their opponent, then they win. Right? Well, they don't win anything but they feel the competitive urge to destroy whomever they feel is to blame for their problems. Even if it doesn't help their situation.

Job and any mature believer on the other hand, enters into a serious discussion (and we are using prayer here by the way), with God, but they use the logic of the doctrine within their soul, not emotional raging and crying.

Prayer with God should be in good taste, with poise, and certainly from a position of humility.

When in fellowship, and with some spiritual growth under your belt, you have the liberty of direct access to God, and the liberty of direct speech with Him. You have the right to make requests, to make an orderly presentation of your cause before God, to speak of the whole matter as you see it, to set before Him all your grievances, in whatever manner you think most proper (remember who you are talking to).

You may be persistent, even demanding and unrelenting in your requests, so long as it is done in good taste, (see the parable of the Persistent Friend study, Lk. 11:5+).

You are allowed, not only to pray and make requests, but to plead and argue your case before the Father. You may fill your mouth with arguments until you are blue in the face.

And is the result to move God? No.

Our prayer activity, resulting from our spiritual growth, will inevitably result in moving ourselves, advancing in our growth, and building our own understanding and faith in prayer and in God.

In arguing our own case, the mature believer can't help but make the case for God as well, thus opening his own eyes up to the matter of life and so forth.

And that is exactly what these two verses teach us. We open our mouths and speak with reason, logic, and doctrine, and through that process we learn Gods words.

God is not going to lean down and enter into a dialogue with you. Lest you get taken away by men in white coats. But through prayer we can converse with God using the common language of Bible doctrine within our soul.

If you have ever studied for an exam, you know that your ability to learn and retain the information is greatly enhanced if you write it down, do numerous exercises, and even say it out loud. All of these with repetition help you to learn. The best instructors in the world have learned this pattern of teaching and their students always perform better. The repetition of learning without pressure, means that you will sail through an exam while under pressure, but the pressure becomes irrelevant, as you'll discover. Confidence is the result.

No reason why everyone can't get a 'A.' Success means that everyone has learned and won the prize. God gives us all that opportunity.

The spiritual life is no different. Study, learn, memorize, and utilize, pray and pray again, and soon your confidence and faith will excel.

Daniel was put into the lions den and was not afraid. He lived through the exile and he had faith. David stood before a giant and did not flinch. He had practiced for years with his slingshot, and he had faith.

Job had lived an exemplary life by faith, and even in the face of overwhelming arguments from his friends, his faith did not waiver.

Now is the time to post a prayer.