Job 1:21-22 “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 wrong doing.” NIV

The snow continued to gently fall, mounting higher and higher, causing the earth to appear unsullied, freshly created. As its abundance grew the winter sport enthusiasts busied themselves hauling out snow machines, snow shoes and cross country skis, parkas, toques, boots and mitts in preparation for a winter of fun filled enjoyment. Within a few days however a warm spell descended and their hopes and dreams had melted away.

The melting away of earthly treasures can be very similar to the melting away of snow. One moment we can be enjoying a fine home, a great job, a wonderful family, good health, money in the bank and then it’s suddenly gone. The economy takes a down turn, the firm cuts back, the marriage dissolves, loved ones die, a hidden ailment surfaces, the cash flow dwindles then trickles to a halt. And when these things happen what is our response? Do we sin and charge God with what we believe is wrong doing toward us, or like Job do we progress through a period of grief with all its confusion, denial, emptiness and tears yet in the end still praise the name of the LORD?

Yes, snow comes and snow goes and so do the treasures of this life. Yet amidst the mounting ups and the melting downs of our life’s experiences may we always choose to remember as the writer of Hebrews has penned, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever , He will never leave us nor forsake us, so we can say with confidence, the Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.

I will not sin against him by charging him with wrongdoing but shall continue to place my confidence and hope in the LORD, the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth who gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak, for “those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40: 28,29,31 NIV)

Prayer: Father God strengthen our faith day by day so that we may always be able, like Job, to utter with all sincerity: “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 Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Lynne Phipps lynnephipps@hotmail.com
Atlin, BC