What's Your Response?

I do not like surprises. I like for everything to go according to plan the way it should. When things happen off the radar (as they always do -  that is the very definition of life), I am easily upset and knocked off my game. Often when bad issues pop up, I react in anger or out of my confused emotions. I say and do rash things only to regret my behavior later.

I justify myself at times by saying that it's just a part of my nature, but it's no excuse. There's no reason for me to still react in such a negative way to sudden misfortune.

Looking to God's Word, Job is a perfect example of how to respond to bad news. After Job learned that he had lost everything, his first reaction was to worship God.

Don't remember that tidbit?

Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped... Job 1:20


He just learned that he lost all his children and all of his wealth. In seconds, he went from being one of the wealthiest men on the planet to the poorest.

Yet Job didn't panic. He didn't spazz out. He didn't start cursing to the heavens.

He worshipped.

I believe we can learn a lot about Job just from that one fact. He was a worshipper. He spent quality face time with God. No wonder God was so confident in the face of the devil that Job would not sin. God had a one-on-one relationship with Job. He knew the man's heart.

And after all was said and done, Job passed his trial with flying colors and received more children and wealth than what he had lost. (Job 42:12-17)

What is your first reaction to trials and tribulation? Do you already have a reserve of worship on the inside of you that can sustain you when troubles come? If the enemy challenged God about your loyalty, could the Lord reply back in confidence that you won't succumb to the enemy?

A worshipful heart is a powerful asset. Time spent in the Lord's presence can benefit us in more ways than we may initially think.

Make sure you take some time out today to worship the Lord. Meditating on His goodness, greatness, and love will make whatever problems that may show up seem trivial and small. Worship can strengthen our spirits to handle those challenges when they come.

Worship reminds us of how big and powerful our God is. We can't let ourselves forget that truth.

Verse of the Day: Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, 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. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. Job 1:20-22