The Lord gave

Bible Reading: Job 1-5

Job 1:21 And 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 knew some very important things about the character and nature of God. He also understood a lot about himself. One of the important things that Job's view of life was based on was that he came into the world with nothing and he would leaven with nothing. He also knew that what he had was a gift from God.

This is an important lesson for us all to learn. John the Baptist knew it.

John 3:27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

Jesus taught us all to have this view.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

James taught it.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Paul taught it.

1 Corinthians 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

What do you have that you have not received? God is the giver of all good gifts. We need to know this and treasure our relationship above all possessions. These come and go, but our relationship with God lasts forever.

Job would not fault God for taking the things that he had. God had given them and God had taken them. However, he would bless the name of God in good times and bad.

Will you allow the Holy Spirit to give you that kind of perspective on life? Will you hold all things loosely and cling to God with all that you have?

In Christ,
Rody