I have been reminded in recent days that suffering is real. However, I have also been reminded in God’s Word that the Lord is sovereign. While we do not know when the pains of suffering will strike, we may find rest that when they do our God is over all things, even the pains in our life. Job understood this and lived by this promise.
Job is a book that is meant to give us confidence in the God who reigns over our lives. Whenever difficulties come, and they will, we can have confidence that Satan is placed sovereignly by God on a leash. The writer of Job tells us,
“Then the LORD said to Satan, ‘Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.’ So Satan departed from the presence of the LORD” (Job 1:12).
Satan can only do what God permits him to do. Not only should we find comfort in an all-knowing and wise God who will only allow in our lives what He wills, the response of Job to such adversity is to be modeled.
In response to the loss of his wealth and, most devastatingly, the loss of his children, Job worshiped God. The writer records for us Job’s humbling reaction to the news of these tragic events:
“Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. He said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.’ Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God” (Job 1:20-22).
Wow, when our darkest days engulf us, worshiping God is always right and proper. When we do not understand the suffering around us, God is still worthy of our praise and adoration. When our world is torn apart, God still holds the world in His hands.
We praise Him when all is well, and we praise Him when all is uncertain and difficult. Only by God’s grace may we be able to sing, “When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul.”
Only when we trust in a sovereign God can we sing, “It is well with my soul” in times of suffering.
Singing God’s praise with you,
Pastor Doug