Conventional wisdom teaches that success comes to those who work hard to achieve their goals. And to a point that’s true.
But. Success can quickly crumble when tragedy strikes.
Ask Job; he’ll tell you. He was an extremely wealthy man and the greatest among all the people of the East.
He enjoyed a large, loving family. His children liked each other so much they partied together.
Job was blameless and upright—totally undeserving of what happened to him (Job 1:1-4).
Stripped of everything. All his wealth. All his wonderful children.
Some of the recent hurricane victims know the magnitude of such horror. Home and all contents, gone. Family members, gone. I can’t even imagine their emotional pain and heartache.
And what was Job’s reaction to his tragedy?
If you had asked me that question a couple of years ago, I would have answered: Job was incredibly accepting; he didn’t even blame God (1:22).
But there’s more:
“He fell to the ground in worship” (v. 20b).
WHAT?!
How can a person possibly worship at a time like that, when his whole world has collapsed around him?
All Job had left was his foundation—a foundation of faith in God.
And worship was his expression of that faith, declaring God’s worth to him—in spite of horrific calamity. For Job, God was enough.
From Job we learn that true worship is not reliant upon circumstances. In fact, a sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15) is surely very precious in God’s view.
Second, true worship is not reliant upon emotions. We don’t have to be filled with joy in order to worship. We can worship God with our tears, expressing our trust in spite of the pain.
Job couldn’t rely on answers that would give meaning for his suffering. God gave him none. What Job did rely upon was God’s character:
- “His wisdom is profound, his power is vast” (9:4a).
- “He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted” (9:10).
- “If it is a matter of strength, he is mighty! And if it is a matter of justice who will summon him?” (9:19).
- “You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit” (10:12).
- “To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his (12:13).
- “Can anyone teach knowledge to God, since he judges even the highest” (21:22)?
In the end, knowing God was more important to Job than knowing answers.
* * * * * * * * * *
Heavenly Father, I shake my head in wonder as people of faith such as Job neither blame you nor give up on you in the face of calamity. Instead, they rely upon you all the more tenaciously. They worship, affirming that you are still their sovereign, loving God; they testify of your strength and peace.
Thank you for being a God who comes alongside us with your wisdom and grace, especially when we’re hurting. Thank you for powerful examples to follow such as Job.
(Art & photo credits: http://www.flickr.com; http://www.wikimedia.org; http://www.pinterest.com (2); http://www.flickr.com.)
Revised and reblogged from June 17, 2013.
From the Inside Out 
Nancy, I think the joy comes in the middle of worship….no matter the circumstances. It’s all about perspective, yes? And Job? I can’t wait to meet him in Heaven!
Oh, yes. “It’s all about perspective.” Numerous Bible heroes lead the way: David, Daniel, Paul, and Job–to name a few. Lord, help me be mindful of their examples!
Thanks, Nancy, for this reminder today! He is the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow. Even if we are faithless, He remains faithful. Blessings to you!
Thank you, Heidi, for reaffirming the mind-boggling truth, “even if we are faithless, He remains faithful.” Praise God for his gracious compassion!
true worship doesn’t rely on emotions. What a powerful statement that is and a great reminder. I think many many use emotions as a gauge for their worship and crave that entertainment too. Job is a challenge for me. Maybe I need to study him more….
“True worship doesn’t rely on emotions.” Rather, I’m discovering emotions are transformed through worship. For example, discouragement can become joy (Psalm 16:11), weakness can become strength (Psalm 138:2-3), and anxiety can become peace (Isaiah 26:3). P.S. You have my permission to remind me of these truths and promises as needed!
I loved this post Nancy! Especially ” in the end knowing God was more important to Job than knowing answers. ” also, the fact he fell in worship after all his loss… Wow…Isn’t that the ultimate trust… Thanks for the uplifting and encouraging post❣️ I am so grateful we have these stories in the Bible to inspire us and remind us we still have lots of room to grow… I know I do❣️
So glad you found this post meaningful, Lisa. I, too, am grateful for such Bible heroes as Job, who show us the way to ultimate trust. May that “room to grow” become smaller as the days/years go by! (However, in my view, your room-to-grow is already quite small. You’re just filling the corners these days!! 🙂 )
Almost exactly a year ago a friend’s tragedy, not even my own, caused me to spiral into a quagmire of doubt and wrestling with God. I guess I’m more like Job’s wife than anything. Ugh! What a beautiful example we’re given in Job’s life of the faith that is attainable, the trust that has no borders, the love relationship with our Father that transcends all earthy circumstances. May I learn to become more like this amazing man of faith!
You ARE, Rebeca. I see it in the posts you write and the selfless ways you serve your family, church fellowship, and community. You consistently draw near to your Father; he is always near to you (James 4:8)!
Dear Nancy,
This is a fitting theme today. We are in tough times and we know it can knock the ground from beneath our feet. I have felt lots of things being broken up or moved aside. I think he is making room for Jesus to work in out times. Maybe that is why God allowed it to happen to Job and to us. It is easy to get so busy doing good things that we can not make room for the Lord to work. Brokenness is opportunity.
Thanks,
Gary
“Brokenness is opportunity.” Such wise words, Gary! I pray your tough times come to a quick, purposeful conclusion, that you’ll be granted a glimpse of the goodness that results from your trial (Romans 8:28). In the meantime, may you experience God’s peace that defies explanation.
‘In the end, knowing God was more important to Job than knowing answers.’ A powerful statement! I know that answers to challenging times and tragedies will come when we get to Heaven. In His presence and glory, however, I’m thinking that knowing and worshiping God for all eternity will be much more our priority than learning answers. I think anything that happens to us in this life…if we belong to Him…is meant to be used to make us more like Jesus. That said, it is still difficult to navigate rough waters because we are only human and we allow our emotional reactions to trying circumstances get in the way of our faith. Job was and is such a testimony in our lives. Praise God for his mercy, patience, and love for His children! He understands.
Beautifully said, Cheri. You’re so right that the cares of this world will no longer be important when we’re finally in the presence of our God. Another good point: Trials make us more like Jesus. Just that thought alone can help to keep our perspective positive and expectant. With you I praise God for his mercy, patience, and love–especially when we’re navigating rough waters. Thank you for adding your worthy observations, Cheri.