PRAISING GOD IN GOOD TIMES AND IN BAD (JOB 1:21)

Dear Members in Christ,

Praising God in good times and in bad (Job 1:21)  

You might have heard this saying, “It does not matter what the circumstances is, but it does matter how I respond to it.” or words to the same effect. Is this saying in keeping with what we learn from the Bible about suffering or undergoing afflictions? We have the example of the man Job who was afflicted in the most insufferable way, yet he was able to praise the name of the Lord when he said,

“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 1:21

It is true that what really matters is how we respond to circumstances or situations which are sent along life’s way to test us. Oftentimes, we thank God for provision and good things, but we fail to recognize the hand of God and give thanks and praise in calamities or catastrophes. In an earlier article, we learn that we ought to remember to praise God when we obtain blessings and wealth. Job was “greatest of all the men of the East” (cf. Job 1:3) yet he continually praised God in worship. He remembers God for familial blessings–Job had 7 sons and three daughters. (cf. Job 1:2). In all these favorable circumstances, Job worshipped and praised God daily. We read in Job 1:5 that the man Job “rose early” and “sanctified” his family. 

Brothers and sisters, the real test and the important lesson in Job’s life is, that we respond in a godly manner whatever life’s circumstances may throw at us. Let us look at how Job responded to his calamities.

A. When we are walking in God’s will we have nothing to fear 

The LORD God had placed an unseen ring of protection around the man Job. The Bible records this in Job 1:10 when Satan protested that Job was unfazed because God had blessed him. The adversary had thrown an accusation against Job and a challenge against the Lord when he said,

“Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.” Job 1:10

Satan may oppress and harass us but when God is in control, the saint have nothing to fear. The challenge of the adversary was, “But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.” (Job 1:11). The obedient saint is always within God’s sovereign will. We thank God that He is all powerful and is able to limit Satan’s affliction. Thus, Satan was allowed to afflict Job but, “only upon himself put not forth thine hand.” (Job 1:12).

Dearly beloved, trials may cause us dearly in the loss of possessions and maybe even earthly comfort, but we must remember to worship and praise God in gratitude. “Job arose…fell down upon the ground, and worshipped.” (Job 1:20).

Brothers and sisters, Job’s response to affliction is an example for us to learn. Instead of blaming God (as Job’s wife was goading him to do), the faithful man Job continued to trust in God. Trusting God despite painful circumstances is a Christian virtue that we can learn from Job.   

B. Lesson for us: Job’s response to calamities and afflictions

In all things, Job maintained a cool head and a calm demeanor. He did not in any way blame the Almighty for all that had befallen him. The Bible declares Job’s virtue clearly when it says,

“In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” Job 1:22

When a person is undergoing severe trials, inevitably the weakness of the flesh attributes the blame to God. This is fleshly and foolish as Job 1:22 describes. In fact, the verse refers to such foolish behavior (i.e. blaming God) as a sin. It is sad when you hear Christians protesting when they are in afflictions. Foolish is the man who said, “I have served God faithfully, behold, I am still in financial troubles.” Or the person who says, “I trusted and served God, and yet I am lonely and friendless.”

Whatever our circumstances, a Christian must never lay the blame on God. Instead, like Job, who suffered pain and sorrow, he 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 1:21).

Beloved, it is true that what matters is that we respond to all circumstances in a godly manner. Let us remember to praise God even in trials, and do not to allow bitterness against God to lay hold of us in severe trials, for this is fleshly and foolish. May God be praised.   

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor