The LORD Gave And The LORD Has Taken Away

One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said:

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”

In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

Job 1:13-22

Search your life for the things God has done for you.

Job’s losses were many and deep. His profound grief was evidenced in his response: he “tore his robe and saved his head.” His words in that painful hour make us think Job knew the patience of gratitude.

Recognizing God’s goodness to us – in even the smallest of ways – can prepare us to kneel in worship before our all-powerful God in the darkest hours of our earthly lives.

Why not start a gratitude list? Watch how the regular practice of thankfulness changes your daily life.

Our Daily Bread – December 23, 2018