Why God – Family Devotion – February 10, 2021

Read: Job 7:1-7

When I lie down I think, ‘How long before I get up?’
The night drags on, and I toss and turn until dawn.
My body is clothed with worms and scabs,
my skin is broken and festering.

“My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle,
and they come to an end without hope.
Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath;
my eyes will never see happiness again.
Job 7:4-7

Why God?

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Worst. Year. Ever! A lot of people said those words about the year 2020. There were so many problems that it sometimes seemed like we only heard bad news every day. And we can’t forget the Coronavirus pandemic that has changed so much of our lives! But for all of our problems last year or even right now, I’m not sure any of us have ever suffered as much as a man from the Bible named Job. Do you remember his story?

Job was very blessed. He had 10 children, 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 oxen, 500 donkeys, and many, many servants. However, on one day Job lost it all. His animals and possessions were destroyed or stolen. His servants were killed by enemies. Then worst of all, a great wind collapsed a house with all ten of his children inside, and they all died. This all happened on the same day! As if that wasn’t enough, then Job got sick himself. You heard the disgusting description today of how he had scabs and worms on his skin that was broken and blistering.

Such horrible suffering! Such awful pains! Such terrible sadness! Job was confused, frustrated, sad, and so much more. But do you know what Job did? He prayed. These words we heard today are part of a prayer to God begging for help and comfort. Why did God let this happen? Why was he suffering so much? When was God going to do something to help him?

And you know what? That’s okay. It was okay for Job to pray like this. It was okay for Job to be on his knees begging God for help, healing, comfort, and strength. It’s okay for you to do that too!

The year 2020 was very difficult for many. And you may be struggling with school. And you may know someone you love who is very sick. And you may have many other problems. These things make us confused. frustrated, sad. But do you know what you can do? Go to God! You have a God who so loved you that he saved you through his Son Jesus. He loves you like a dear Father loves a dear child. So be like Job and go to your heavenly Father! Take your hurt, pain, and sadness of this life to him! We don’t always know why God allows certain problems in our lives, but he certainly uses them to remind us, like he reminded Job, how much we need our Father in heaven. Best of all, when we turn to God for help, healing, comfort, and strength, we will be reminded that because of Jesus, one day soon we will be in heaven with him where we will never have a problem or pain again! May God lead us safely home to heaven soon!

Closing Prayer:

Lord, we have a lot of suffering and sadness in our lives. Sometimes things are so difficult for us! Help us to remember to go to you in your prayer, remember your love, and trust in your promise of life in heaven. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What were some of the problems that Job had in his life?
• What are some of the problems that you or your family has right now?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Explain how God might use something that seems bad for our good.
• Can you think of an example from the Bible of someone who experienced something bad, but God later worked it out for good?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Identify specific ways that God has used some of the bad things in the past year to bring blessings to people.
• Children ask your parent(s) about things they remember from when they were younger that seemed bad at first but that God later worked for good.

Hymn: CW 93:1,3 – Hail to the Lord’s Anointed

Hail to the Lord’s Anointed, Great David’s greater Son!
Hail, in the time appointed, His reign on earth begun!
He comes to break oppression, To set the captive free,
To take away transgression, And rule in equity.

Kings shall bow down before him And gold and incense bring;
All nations shall adore him; His praise all people sing.
To him shall prayer unceasing And daily vows ascend,
His kingdom still increasing, A kingdom without end.