Bless the Lord’s Name
Job 1:20-22
Have you ever watched young children play? The room may be filled with toys, yet they gravitate toward the same item. Before long, you’ll hear one declare, “That’s mine! I want it!” People, regardless of age, seem to struggle with a similar mindset: “That’s mine. It belongs to me.” We often feel sadness when something is taken away.
Many of us accumulate items and become quite protective of our belongings. Sorting through our closets and storage areas to declutter excess items can be challenging. I think of individuals who suddenly lose their homes, valuables, and even family members in a flood, tornado, or fire. Such losses are tragic and overwhelming.
Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will leave this life. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Throughout all this, Job did not sin or blame God for anything.
- Job 1:20-22
WHO was Job?
The Scriptures state that Job was a righteous man who lived a life of integrity and had faith in God. He was wealthy, possessing many livestock and belongings, and he had a large family with seven sons and three daughters. He offered sacrifices and prayed for his children (see Job 1:5).
There was a man in the country of Uz named Job. He was a man of complete integrity, who feared God and turned away from evil.
- Job 1:1
WHAT happened to Job?
In the first chapter of the book of Job, he tragically loses all his wealth in a single day. One by one, messengers arrive to report the loss of oxen, donkeys, sheep, camels, and Job’s servants. The loss that Job suffers on this day is catastrophic, and yet another messenger arrives with a final, devastating report.
“Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house. Suddenly, a powerful wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on the young people so that they died, and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
- Job 1:18-19
How does one cope with such immense loss, destruction, and sorrow? Can you even fathom what a dreadful day this would be?
HOW did Job respond?
With deep sadness and humility, Job tore his robe and shaved his head, mourning a profound personal loss. Yet, his final action reveals the condition of his heart before the Lord. Job provides us with a beautiful example to follow; he fell to the ground and worshiped.
Losing all your possessions can provide perspective, as it did in Job’s life. I entered this world with nothing, and I currently have nothing. What does God owe me? Absolutely nothing! Therefore, I choose to bless the name of the Lord. I choose to worship God even when I have nothing!
Head to Heart
Read the first chapter of Job. Can you relate to some of Job’s losses on this tragic day? Take a moment to reflect on your reactions to challenging situations in your life. I must confess that I don't immediately fall to the ground and worship God.
Compose a letter to the Lord, including details for each prompt below.
The Lord gives … (Name ten things God has given you.)
The Lord takes away … (List three things He has taken away.)
Blessed be the name of the Lord … (Write two phrases to bless the Lord’s name.)
Breath prayers enable us to reflect on God’s Word, offering a moment to pause and connect with the Lord.
Here are two examples for your quiet time with the Lord.
Inhale breath: The Lord gives
Exhale breath: The Lord takes away
Inhale breath: Job worshiped God
Exhale breath: I will bless the Lord’s name
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