Hardships – February 28, 2024

At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship.
Job 1:20

Hardships

When hardship hits, it is easy to wallow in sadness and self-pity. We imagine that things cannot get better, and we cannot imagine how we can go on. We perhaps slide into despair and cannot get out of our funk.

Could any of us have blamed Job if this was his response to the horrible tragedies that had struck his life? As understandable as that would have been, Job went in a different direction. He worshiped his God. Yes, he felt grief. But his was a godly grief. He certainly was hurting, but rather than collapse inward on himself and his grief, he turned outward to the One who could ease his pain. Grief and faith are not mutually exclusive. In his grief, Job trusted in the One who gives all good things.

Why is God so worthy of trust in moments like these? Because God has been there and done that. Jesus suffered more than we could ever imagine. Yet, he did not despair. He did not wallow in self-pity or sadness. Rather, he trusted in God’s plan and went on to die in our place on the cross. Jesus has won for us forgiveness and eternal life in heaven. You are his child!

No matter what challenges or hardships you face in life, remember that you are a forgiven child of God. No one can take that away from you. When hardship hits, do not fall inward and wallow in sorrow and self-pity. Instead, turn to God, who has given you every reason to look to him. Worship him who saved you from sin. You are his, now and forever!

Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for giving me the gifts of forgiveness and eternal life. Lead me to worship you in both good times and bad. Amen.