Decreeing from a Place of Restoration:

A Devotional on Job 22:26-28

In the New American Standard Bible, Job 22:26-28 provides powerful insight into the relationship between our decrees and God’s promises: “For then you will delight in the Almighty and lift up your face to God; you will pray to Him, and He will hear you; and you will pay your vows. You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you; and light will shine on your ways.”
At first glance, these verses stir excitement. They inspire us to imagine commanding outcomes and witnessing God move in miraculous ways. However, we must pause and delve deeper into the context of these verses to fully understand their significance.
These words come from Eliphaz, who, in his third and final speech to Job, is urging him to repent and regain a right relationship with God. Sadly, Eliphaz incorrectly assumes that Job’s suffering is due to sin. However, we know from Job 1:8 that Job was blameless and upright—a man who feared God and shunned evil.
What Eliphaz does bring to light, however, is a vital principle: restoration precedes the authority to decree. “For then you will delight in the Almighty…” (v.26) reminds us that delighting in God and nurturing intimacy with Him is foundational. Only in this restored state can we truly lift our faces to God, knowing that we are heard, forgiven, and in communion with Him.

The Prerequisite: Restoration

Before we can decree and see God’s promises established in our lives, we must first be aligned with His will. Eliphaz’s call for Job to repent–despite its faulty premise regarding Job’s state–points towards an essential biblical truth: when we stray from God’s path, it can hinder our prayers and declarations.
As believers, we are not only called to walk in God’s ways, but we are also ambassadors of His kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:20). This title carries responsibility. It’s not about merely declaring and receiving; it’s about embodying Christ’s holiness and walking in obedience.

The Power of Decree

Once our relationship with God is restored, we walk in the authority we have as sons and daughters of the Most High. From this place, our prayers transform. We don’t plead for peace; we declare it, because peace is already a promise established by God. We command fear and anxiety to leave, ushering in the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
This is not about commanding God; it’s about reclaiming the authority that the enemy has attempted to strip away—restoring our rightful place in the Kingdom.

Aligning Our Decrees

We must be cautious to ensure that what we decree aligns with the promises given in God’s Word. Our words must never stray into the realm of new interpretations or doctrines. We are called to speak life, blessings, and the truths that come from God’s heart.
Reflection:
As you go about your day, consider your relationship with God. Are you in a place of intimacy and alignment with Him? Take time to seek restoration where it may be needed. As you draw close to Him, remember the authority you possess. Lift your face to God with confidence, declaring His promises over your life and the lives of those around you.
Pray from a place of victory—because in Christ, victory is already yours. Now go forth, and decree the goodness, peace, and blessings of God in accordance with His Word. Your declarations, grounded in faith and aligned with the truth of Scripture, will see light shine on your ways.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of restoration through Jesus. Help us to align our hearts and decrees with Your Word. Teach us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling, empowering us to declare Your truth boldly and lovingly. May our lives reflect Your glory and may we rejoice in the light of Your presence. Amen.