Daily Reading: Job 1-2
Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. (Job 1:21)
Devotional Thought: Today we are starting a journey through the book of Job. Job is the story of a man who lost everything. He is 'comforted' by friends who want to blame him for his situation. Job and his friends say some things that are true, but they also make assertions that are based on false assumptions. We need to be careful to read the words in context and balance them with the full teaching of the Bible.
One of the challenging things will be Job's 'negativity.' We need to balance that with the hope and joy and meaning we find in other parts of the scripture, along with the realization that Job's life really was a wreck. He had lost everything that mattered to him. He was 'naked.'
I have 3 children and 7 beautiful grandchildren. I've been in or nearby the delivery room for all but one of them. I noticed something unusual when they were born. They didn't have any clothes on! When we are born we are not only naked physically, but in every other way. We are helpless to provide for ourselves, and we would not live long outside our mother's womb and care.
Fast forward to the end of life. At that time, we are once again 'naked' - helpless, defenseless, and powerless. All that we have and have done melts away.
In between those days - our birthday and our 'deathday' - the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. God provides us with "life and breath and everything" (Acts 17:25). Job teaches us that though we appreciate the things of this life, they are not ours forever. So, enjoy them but hold loosely to them. And in all things, bless the name of the Lord.
Prayer: Thank you Lord, for providing me with "life and breath and everything." My health, my home, my family, my friends - all these bring me joy and satisfaction. When those things are swept away and all that is left is you, may my prayer ever be, "Blessed be the name of the Lord."
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119:81-88
81 My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word.
82 My eyes long for your promise; I ask, "When will you comfort me?"
83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How long must your servant endure? When will you judge those who persecute me?
85 The insolent have dug pitfalls for me; they do not live according to your law.
86 All your commandments are sure; they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
87 They have almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.
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