Read Job 1:20–22

Today’s Scripture: The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised. Job 1:21

The hosts of heaven and of hell watched to see how Job would respond to the loss of his wealth and his children. He expressed his grief in a manner normal for that day, for God expects us to be human (1 Thess. 4:13). After all, even Jesus wept (John 11:35). But then Job worshipped God and uttered a profound statement of faith (Job 1:21).

First, he looked back to his birth: “Naked I came from my mother’s

womb.” Then Job looked ahead to his death: “And naked I will depart.” He would not return to his mother’s womb, because that would be impossible.

He would go to “Mother Earth,” be buried, and return to dust. Nothing he

had acquired between his birth and death would go with him into the next

world.

Finally, Job looked up and uttered a magnificent statement of faith: “The

LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be

praised.” Instead of cursing God, as Satan said Job would do (Job 1:9–11), he praised the Lord! It takes real faith to say in the midst of sorrow and suffering, “May the name of the Lord be praised.”

Something to Ponder

Do you think Job’s worship during his great tragedy suggests that he was in denial of his situation? Explain.