Challenging Worship During The Worst

Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lordgave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. (Job 1:20-22)

This scene of Job’s right heart toward God is beautiful. Even stricken with grief, he worshiped.

What anguished him was the devastating news he received from four messengers in rapid succession. They brought him the news as follows:

* First Messenger: The Sabeans have plundered your oxen and donkeys, and have killed your servants with swords.
 
* Second Messenger: A fire storm of some caliber fell from heaven, consuming your sheep and servants.
 
* Third Messenger: Three groups of Chaldeans raided your camels and killed the servants who were with them.
 
* Fourth Messenger: Your sons and daughters were enjoying each other’s company when a freak wind storm destroyed the house they were in, crushing them dead.

Any one of these messages would have been difficult in their own right, but imagine receiving this news all at once. He simultaneously lost nearly everything he had, from property to his children, and was left with little more than himself and the clothes on his back.

How did Job respond?

He “fell down upon the ground and worshiped.” He worshiped God through His right heart, without sinning.

Often, we don’t think of worship as anymore than more singing songs at church. But let us learn to worship God always as Job did, especially in the hard times.

Remember, our hearts are never so honest as when we are in the midst of trying circumstances. How will the Lord find our hearts in difficult situations?

Worship God with the knowledge that He is unchangeably good, even in the worst moments of our lives.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27). As I finished reading this devotion that scripture came resounding back to my memory. I pray this uplifts and encourages someone today. Ask yourself, how does or will The Lord find my heart in difficult situations? Let’s be encouraged today by Job. Even at the lowest point in his life he worshiped God without sinning. Remember, lo, I (God) am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is John 14:27