May 3, 2023 - Job 1:20-22

“Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship. He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!” In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God.” Job 1:20-22 NLT

Lord, Job made this statement right after he found out that all his livestock was stolen, that his workers were all killed. Directly following hearing his livelihood was gone he learned that all his children were also killed. What grief must have rushed over him in those few minutes. Each time I read these verses, I am amazed. Even through all the loss and grief, Job praised you. Lord, we know you are worthy despite the things that we walk through, but it can be so hard to walk that out. This was only the beginning of the trial that Job was going to walk through. But even as things in Job’s life got worse, he didn’t turn his back on you. He didn’t walk away. Help us learn from Job. Give us this kind of stubborn devotion to you, that no matter what comes our way and what kind of pain and grief we face, we don’t turn our back on you. Teach us how to cling to you through everything.

Lord, Job recognized that the possessions he had on earth have no real eternal value. Even his children were not really his to own. He had to turn them over to you and trust them in your hands. And when they were killed, what strength he shows in not blaming you. Teach us to hold everything you give us before you with open hands. Teach us to praise you in the season of abundance and in the seasons of lack and grief. Teach us how to press into you and grow stronger in our faith and our relationship with you as we walk through trials and tests. Help us learn to not let them tear us away from you. Help us bring you glory in all we face.

In Jesus name, amen.