Job 36-37: In His Hands

Elihu, the youngest of those gathering around Job to console him, sees things from a different perspective than Job's other so called friends. 
I get my knowledge from afar;
   I will ascribe justice to my Maker.
Be assured that my words are not false;
   one perfect in knowledge is with you.
“God is mighty, but does not despise men;    he is mighty, and firm in his purpose.  - Job 36:3-5 NIV

'God is mighty, but he does not despise men', Elihu says.
But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering;
   he speaks to them in their affliction.
“He is wooing you from the jaws of distress    to a spacious place free from restriction,  - Job 36:15-16 NIV

 So that all men he has made may know his work,
   he stops every man from his labor
The animals take cover;
   they remain in their dens.
The tempest comes out from its chamber,
   the cold from the driving winds.
The breath of God produces ice,
   and the broad waters become frozen.
He loads the clouds with moisture;
   he scatters his lightning through them.
At his direction they swirl around
   over the face of the whole earth
   to do whatever he commands them. - Job 36:8-12 NIV

Contrary to what it often looks like, God does not despise men but is instead wooing them from the jaws of distress, so that all men he has made may know his work.  There is no other explanation.  The knowledge of science may increase, but they will never be able to explain the why of what they usually term "nature".  They may be able to read the signs and predict with some accuracy the approach of violent storms.  But they cannot create the conditions or stop them from happening.  After all these centuries, the whole of life is still in his hands.

2010 Post - Job 36-37:  The Right Perspective