For you will bless the righteous. LORD, you will surround him with favor as with a shield.
–Psalm 5:12
Job lived a blessed life.
He is one of the few men called “righteous” in the Bible. Job 1:1 says, “He was blameless — a man of complete integrity.” He was surrounded by livestock, children, and more wealth than anyone in his town.
But Job suffered. At one point, through no fault of his own, God allowed the enemy to take away Job’s home, children, livestock, and health. But righteous Job didn’t curse God; God remained his shield. Satan could not get any closer to Job than God allowed him.
In Christ, we have God’s favor. Knowing Jesus, loving Him, following His ways, puts us behind God’s shield, God’s care, and protection. It puts us where a long line of blessed people who lived abundant lives also stood.
But these same favored people also suffered.
Beloved Daniel sat before hungry lions, but God closed their mouths.
Joseph was sold as an Egyptian slave, but God turned him into a respectable ruler.
The king’s selected men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into a fiery furnace but God protected them from the flames.
There is a long list of blessed people, shielded people who experienced tragedy that God turned into an even greater blessing.
Perhaps you are one of them.
Prayer
Dear God, Thank You for Your many blessings. Thank You for shielding and protecting me. You are my all in all. Please fill me with Your Spirit so I, too, may be called righteous. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Reflection
What tragedy or difficult situation in my life has brought me to depend on God who has the power to protect and heal?