“Job … fell to the ground in worship and said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.’”
Job 1:20-21
I don’t know about you, but in my suffering, I usually don’t fall to the ground and worship. What a hard thing to do in our moments of tragedy. Recently, I was faced with two hardships I couldn’t solve. With the first, I gave myself over to anxiety—and then the Lord provided. Did I learn? No. Within a week, I faced the second hardship and gave myself over to hopeless resignation—and then the Lord provided again! I wish I could say my behavior improved before more devastating circumstances arrived.
It is well that we explore the theme of suffering, because most of our suffering happens beneath the surface—in the hidden recesses known only to God. Suffering is not just something that grows us or makes us who we are. It can be devastating, crippling, and crushing. Job had lost his wealth, his family, and his health. His groans poured out like water; his life was in turmoil (see 3:24, 26).
But for our vast soul wounds, there is hope. Jesus knows suffering. Like Job, He had everything taken away; unlike Job, it was for the purpose of giving everything to us.
It is well that we explore the theme of suffering, because most of our suffering happens beneath the surface—in the hidden recesses known only to God. Suffering is not just something that grows us or makes us who we are. It can be devastating, crippling, and crushing. Job had lost his wealth, his family, and his health. His groans poured out like water; his life was in turmoil (see 3:24, 26).
But for our vast soul wounds, there is hope. Jesus knows suffering. Like Job, He had everything taken away; unlike Job, it was for the purpose of giving everything to us.
Scripture Focus
Job 1
Insight
“You give and take away/ My heart will choose to say/ Lord, blessed be Your name.” (Matt Redman, 2002)
Bible In A Year
- 1 Chronicles 18-19
- Psalm 2
- Matthew 1-2