‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.’

Job 1:21 (ESV)

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“Earthly comforts are loaned. They are not gifts, for all that we possess is God’s property. He has only lent them, and what he lends He has a right to take. We hold possessions and friends on a lease that can be terminated at the Supreme Owner’s option. Therefore, do not complain when God takes His own. In a world where thorns and briars grow, it is natural that some sharp points will pierce you.

The world swarms with thieves, deceivers, and slanderers, with losses in business, crosses in our expectations, false or fickle friends, and with sickness and death. Little wonder our joys are stolen. Our Master warns that our habitation is not theft-proof. ‘Do not lay up for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal’ (Matt. 6:19).

Beloved, because these calamities may be expected, let us be prepared. Hold all things loosely. Hold them as though you did not have them. Look at them as fleeting; never expect them to remain. Never make mortal things your gods. If you do, your heart will be broken when they are taken, and you will cry with Micah, ‘You have taken away my gods which I made’ (Judg. 18:24).”

C. H. Spurgeon

Beside Still Waters, 22

Roy H. Clarke, Editor

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Better to have our hands empty, and keep every blessing we enjoy on God’s altar, than to have it snatched from our unwilling heart. If we have settled it in our heart that all our blessings are His to do with as He pleases, then we can let any go with worship in our heart. We will experience the pain of loss, but we will also know the joy of freely giving to Him whom we love.