Morning Devotional 021526 In Good Times and Bad Times

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

February 15, 2026

Job 1:13-22

13 One day Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house. 14 A messenger came to Job and said: “The oxen were plowing, and the donkeys were grazing nearby 15 when the Sabeans took them and killed the young men with swords. I alone escaped to tell you.” 16 While this messenger was speaking, another arrived and said: “A raging fire fell from the sky and burned up the sheep and devoured the young men. I alone escaped to tell you.” 17 While this messenger was speaking, another arrived and said: “Chaldeans set up three companies, raided the camels and took them, killing the young men with swords. I alone escaped to tell you.” 18 While this messenger was speaking, another arrived and said: “Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 19 when a strong wind came from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It fell upon the young people, and they died. I alone escaped to tell you.” 20 Job arose, tore his clothes, shaved his head, fell to the ground, and worshipped. 21 He said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb; naked I will return there. The LORD has given; the LORD has taken; bless the LORD’s name.” 22 In all this, Job didn’t sin or blame God.

Good Morning! Bless the Lord, O my soul!

I pray that none of us has or will ever endure so many disasters in the period of one day, but over the course of a lifetime, we all suffer great challenges. How we respond to the challenges is core to our faith journey. 

As we consider Job’s story, we should ask ourselves, why do we praise God? Do we praise God because of our blessings?  If so, what if we lose those blessings that God has bestowed upon us? Do we still praise God? 

Job gains valuable insight when he realizes he is the victim of earthly assumptions. First, his friends build a case against God, and Job begins to question his belief that God is fair and all-powerful. In his moment of weakness, Job accuses God of injustice, to him and the world. 

Over the course of the suffering, Job wavers back and forth, trying to reconcile why these terrible things have happened to him. Finally, God responds to Job’s cries and prayers and helps Job see that it was not in his ability to understand. In the end, Job humbly admits his lack of knowledge and his attempt to place earthly constraints and understanding on God’s reasoning.

What did Job learn? Trust God! The God who blesses us abundantly is with us always, in good times and bad. 

God of Wisdom, you bless us abundantly! It is easy to give you praise when all is well. Help us to give thanks in all circumstances. Thank you. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: God is the constant in our ever-changing lives.

Trust God in all things! Pastor Liz