In His Name Devotionals
THE LORD GIVES, THE LORD TAKES AWAY
In His Name Devotionals
THE LORD GIVES, THE LORD TAKES AWAY
“...the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away...” (Job 1:21)
It was Job who in all his anguish 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). Then these words were added, “In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly” (verse 22). Have you suffered bereavement and loss? Should you bless God for them?
Why not? They are part of “His ways.” Here is what the Bible says about them, “shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips” (Job 2:10). It is further explained: “All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep His covenant and His testimonies” (Psalm 25:10). Now, if all His ways are mercy and truth, should you not give thanks just here because these are part of His mercy and truth?
It is not that you are to bless God for these things themselves. They may be considered evil and you are not to make anything evil the object of your blessing. You may be thankful for the principle that sent them your way. Did not the Lord say, “For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth” (Hebrews 12:6)? He further said, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
When a child grows up, he feels thankful for the restraints and corrections he received through his maturing process. It will be so with you...as a Christian, as you mature.
