The book of Job opens and we see that he was a man of great wealth, but more importantly a man of godly character. Even to the point that God Himself points out Job to satan saying, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?”(Job 1:8)
We see in the very next verse that satan responded in his usual way, accusing Job’s motives plus an idea to try to prove God wrong. And yet, when Job faced the destruction of property, wealth, and family members, it says, “Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.” (Job 1:20-22)
This really challenges me and gets me thinking. I thrive on routines and schedules, and yet God has allowed my chronic illness to undo my comfort and dependency in just that area. He has been teaching me steadily and regularly that I only need to be dependent, in ALL things, on Him, my unchanging and faithful Abba.
What is it that you are currently facing? Health crisis of you or your family? Joblessness? Cut in hours or pay? Fear? Anxiety? Depression? My dear Christian friend, I can guarantee you that no matter what it is, God is using it for your spiritual good. (Romans 8:28) That knowledge alone won’t necessarily make your emotions magically calm or make you want to proclaim like Job, “The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” but you know what will? Focus your mind on the Prince of Peace who promised to give us His peace and rest, give thanks to God, and think on good things.
You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock (Isaiah 26:3-4) Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27 - emphasis added)
…in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:6b-9 - emphasis added)
The other thing that sticks out to me is that Job worshiped. We don’t see him singing praise songs, dancing like king David, or worshipping in ways that we usually think of today. Instead it was his heart aligning with God, being fully surrendered to God’s will regardless that he had lost everything, and blessed the name of the LORD. His heart was full of worship to God not in light of his situation but in spite of it.
Circumstances can never be the driving force behind our worship, otherwise our worship is not truly rooted in unconditional love for God. Every day and all the time is a good time to worship God because He is good all the time. His goodness doesn’t waver, His faithfulness doesn’t waver, His love is steadfast and unending, so in spite of our circumstances and in light of HIM should we worship and His praise continually be in our mouth. (Psalm 34:1)
What about when we’re in so much despair we just can’t even talk? We can make it our heart’s prayer like David in saying, “O Lord, open my lips, That my mouth may declare Your praise.” (Psalm 51:15) but we also know that “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18) and that “likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26). Jesus promised to give us rest IF we come to Him. “Come to Me…and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 - emphasis added)
Who knows if what you’re facing today wasn’t preempted with God saying, “Have you considered my servant, {insert your name}?” Regardless, the challenge to you now is, do you believe God’s promises are true and will you come to Him and receive them?