Thought from today’s Bible reading from Job 1-5.
“Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).
It is typically easier and more natural to praise God during times of blessing and prosperity. Yet this was not the occasion with Job. He had just received word that his sons and daughters and much of his wealth was gone. All of this was unexpected. Satan was sure this would provoke Job to curse the Lord (Job 1:11). Yet notice Job’s response to this great calamity:
“Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. He said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.’ Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God” (Job 1:20-22).
First, he mourned his loss. This was perfectly understandable and acceptable. But then he did something interesting: he worshiped God. Too often people will judge God’s worthiness of honor by how prosperous, comfortable, or enjoyable their lives are. Job was not a fair-weather servant of God. Regardless of whether he was greatly blessed or greatly afflicted, he understood that God was worthy of praise. So he praised him and kept himself free from sin.
Whether our fortunes in life are good or poor, blessed be the name of the Lord!
Tomorrow’s reading: Job 6-9
[I’m using the Chronological reading plan on the Bible Gateway website if you’d like to follow along, too.]
Daily Notes & Observations contains all 365 articles from this series and is available in paperback from Gospel Armory.
