Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship. He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The LORD gave me what I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the LORD!” In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God. Job 1:20-22, NLT

Then Job replied to the LORD: “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you.” Job 42:1-2, NLT

“So, how’s it going?” 

How often do you get asked this question, and how do you answer that? 

I guess it depends on who’s asking. Because truthfully, for me, there’s a dumpster fire blazing right now. My aging parents need help navigating life and healthcare. Dad has multiple illnesses, any of which could end his life. There has been a split in my beloved church, and now we are looking for a new place to worship and serve. Our school is facing a financial crisis, and staff have taken large pay cuts without any reduction in responsibilities. Some have quit mid-year over the pay reductions. Oh, and one of my dogs just created a big bill with the veterinarian. Honestly, it’s a lot. Maybe you have walked through a season like this. 

It’s not good, but my God is.

As all these circumstances began to overwhelm me the other day, I found comfort in Job’s story. We learn in the book of Job that God was very much aware of everything Job suffered. In fact, God allowed it to prove a point and bring glory to Himself. God is not unaware of my circumstances. They’re not good, but my God is. Second, none of my circumstances come close to what Job endured, yet he chose to worship God in the midst of his circumstances. Job placed his faith in his sovereign God.

Dumpster fires stink, but they are contained, and they don’t burn forever. If you don’t mess with them, they go out on their own. Hey, I suppose one could even roast marshmallows in the meantime. Rather than cursing God, I can continue to praise Him for all He is and for all that is good and right. The fire may not be good, but my God is.

Heavenly Father, I praise You for holding all our circumstances in Your perfect will. We don’t need to understand why things have not gone as we expected. Thank you for being a trustworthy and loving God who has a good plan for our future. Amen.

Copyright Diana Anderson.

Diana is a Christian Educators member who teaches history and art to secondary students at a Christian school in Washington.