At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

Have you ever been paralyzed with grief? Felt crushed with sorrow? Maybe overwhelmed by circumstances and there was no response you could muster that felt like it would change a thing? That’s where Job was in these verses, and his response is remarkable.

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The story that leads to these verses tell us how Satan interrupted heavenly worship after “roaming the earth” seemingly looking to cause trouble. Interestingly, God highlights Job as someone remarkable who he believes can withstand Satan’s schemes and maintain a holy life. First, what a great compliment that He thinks so highly of Job. Secondly, this seems pretty unfair. God permits Satan to test someone who has been so loyal and faithful that he stands out in God’s memory? By our economy, shouldn’t this guy be safe from strong temptation and hurt? But God allows it.

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The story goes on and Job loses everything: his property, his workforce, his family. Job’s response was to worship and praise the name of the Lord.

God can let us hurt and still be a good God. He let his own Son die for our good - how can we argue the premise that a good God won’t allow bad to happen? His own Son prayed, “Your will be done.” That was essentially Job’s response. Hurt doesn’t make God a bad god.

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Many people lose faith or abandon God when pain like this comes. But, if we can’t prevent our suffering, what makes us think we don’t need God? Job’s response of praise acknowledges the sovereignty (full control and authority) of God. Any other response brings empty results. Only God can comfort, a word which from the Latin means give strength.

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God gives strength when we call out to him in prayer. What often chokes the hope of our prayers is the memory of times our prayers haven’t been answered as we’d hoped. CS Lewis points out that Scripture says, “Knock and it shall be opened” but we hammer and kick like a maniac. But prayer, as Job demonstrates, isn’t just about asking God to fix our problems. Prayer, at its heart, is worship. Even when we’re grieved, praising God allows us to continue enjoying the gifts He’s given, though they might be lost to us now.

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Regardless of what you are experiencing today, pleasant or painful, pray. Knock, then wait for God to respond. Because God is good. God is worthy of praise. And prayer brings us His comfort.

Father, you alone are good. All good gifts come from you. If all I have is your salvation, that is enough. Quiet my fear. Bring calm to my anxious thoughts. Remind me of your loving kindness. Help me to withstand temptation. Amen.