I've heard "the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away" used in the context of dealing with times of tragedy, loss and grief. I've been wondering lately if this was really in the Bible or if it's just one of those quotes people incorrectly attribute as scripture. After doing a little research, I found that it's a misquote from Job 1:21. The correct quote from the King James Version is: "And [Job] said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."
I haven't heard people include, "blessed be the name of the LORD," very often, but that's for another post.
I'd like to see put into popular usage the phrase, "the LORD has taken away ... and the Lord gives ... Blessed be the LORD!'
Consider these:
"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29) And the Lord gives us salvation and eternal life. Blessed be the LORD!
The LORD, by the Holy Spirit, has taken away our fear, and the LORD gives us a spirit of sonship, adopting us as sons and daughters of God. (Romans 8:15) Blessed be the LORD!
The LORD, by the Holy Spirit, has taken away our fear, and the LORD give us a spirit of love, power and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) Blessed be the LORD!
The LORD has taken away our woundednes, our brokenheartedness, and the LORD gives us wholeness. (Isaiah 61:1) Blessed be the LORD!
The LORD has taken away our dark captivity, and the LORD gives us freedom from the power of sin and death. (Isaiah 61:1) Blessed be the LORD!
The LORD has taken away our grief and mourning, and the LORD gives us a crown of beauty, the oil of joy and a garment of praise. (Isaiah 61:3) Blessed be the LORD!
So, what has the LORD taken away from you and given you in its place?
Pastor Lanette S. Van, is the pastor at the following churches:
Brandon United Methodist Church
507 Main St., Brandon, IA
Sunday Worship: 11:15 a.m.
Garrison United Methodist Church
105 Sycamore Ave., Garrison, IA
Summer Worship: Saturdays, 5:00 p.m.
Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church
216 E. 4th St., Vinton, IA
Sunday Worship: 8:30 a.m.
Pastor's Cell: (319) 651-9408
Pastor's E-mail: pastorlanette@gmail.com
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." -- Lamentations 3:21-24
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Especially during times like these, we need to encourage others with just such truth. I have much to be thankful for and you have reminded me of that.