Job Chapter 1 verse 30 and Job Chapter 2 verse 3 (NLT Version)
Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground in worship.
Then the LORD asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant, Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless – a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil. And he has maintained his integrity, even though you urged me to harm him without cause.”
Job had just received news of unimaginable tragedy. His grief is understandable and right, but his immediate response thereafter is worship. Not question or blame. What is my response to trials, difficulty or even tragedy. I can’t honestly say that my immediate response is worship.
Job puts everything into its rightful place. He might not understand why he’s being tested but he trusts that God is in control through it all. He does, as we see later in the book, ask God about hard to understand things, and that’s okay. God answers his questions. And God can handle ours too. Nonetheless Job is commended by God for his integrity through it all. Would I receive the same commendation about my behaviour during any form of hardship?
Food for thought indeed.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the example shown by Job. Help me to maintain my integrity no matter what crosses my path. Thank You that I can come to You for comfort and strength during difficult times, and that I need never face them alone.
I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.