Praised Be The Lord's Name!

Scripture:

“And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” — Job 1:21 (KJV)

Devotion:

Job had the faith of a mighty man but also the grief of an enormous loss. In a single day, he lost all his substance, his servants, and his sons and daughters. Yet, his agony was met with a great look of God's care in Job, producing one response: "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

It is no big deal to extol the Lord exuberantly when all goes well, but the actual extent of faith often comes out when suffering and bereavement occur. Job knew everything he had was temporary ownership, issued by God, right down to his material possessions, family, and life. Job saw the sovereignty of God amid much withering pain and puzzling circumstances.

There will come into each of our lives times of loss, bewilderment, and sorrow. Shall we continue to bless the name of the Lord? "If we truly believe that God is in charge of everything, then, in so doing, we can find solace in that everything He does works for our good. Our bands will come and go, but His steadfastness remains forever."

Are you living in a season of loss or hardship? Choose to acknowledge God's sovereignty. He is still worthy of all praise, even in mourning.

Prayer:

Father, in blessings and sorrow, help me walk through the road of trust I have opened in You. Please give me strength so that I can praise Thee even when I do not comprehend. Let it be ever fresh in my mind that all I have, or ever will have, is from Thee, and that Thou art faithful forever. Let my heart echo that of Job: "Blessed be the name of the Lord." In Jesus' Name. Amen.