A lil give an take

"Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” Job 1:21

The Lord gives and the Lord takes. He gives life and He takes life. He gives relationships and He takes relationships. He gives blessings and He takes blessings. He gives prosperity and He takes prosperity. He gives opportunities and He takes opportunities. He gives health and He takes health. He gives and takes but He still deserves all our praise, worship, and adoration.

It is easy to praise God when He gives us good things, but it is hard to praise Him when He takes away what we feel is a good thing. Yet, it is the power of praise to the Lord that empowers our faith to endure and mature during these times. Praise to Jesus prompts us to persevere in belief and obedience. He realigns our heart and mind to heaven's expectations instead of bowing to earth's demands. When God gives it’s a blessing and when He takes it is a blessing. He knows our needs 100 times better then we do.

"As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." James 5:11

Furthermore, the Lord is full of compassion and mercy. His character is not cruel, but caring. He is not harsh, but kind. The Lord is gracious, not mean spirited. However, He is jealous for you. He delights in you for who you are, and who you can become by His grace. His loyal love will not allow you to be enamored with someone or something that competes with Him. Christ removes any competitors of exclusive devotion to Him.

Therefore, you can be content and grateful for the lot in life God has given you. Perhaps He has you in your current career or situation for the growth of your character, spiritual maturity, and competence. Sometimes He rains down grace and other times the sun of adversity beats down in a sweat of suffering. The Lord gives and takes in His timing for His glory. Thus, hold loosely His blessings and burdens, and be ready to receive His great grace and love.