January 7, 2026
Daily Devotional:
“The Open Hand”
Job 1:21
"He said: '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 is perhaps one of the most difficult verses in the entire Bible to pray sincerely. It was spoken by a man who had just lost his children, his wealth, and his livelihood in a single day. Yet, in the midst of staggering grief, Job offers a masterclass in spiritual perspective. The Reality of the Journey, Job begins by acknowledging a simple, humbling truth: we enter this world with nothing, and we leave it with nothing. Everything we hold in between, our bank accounts, our homes, our reputations, even our families is on loan from the Creator. When we realize we are stewards rather than owners, we can begin to loosen our grip on the things of this world.
Job doesn’t blame "bad luck" or "the universe." He pointsdirectly to God. By saying "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away," Job acknowledges the sovereignty of the Giver; that God is the ultimate authority. He recognizes that the same hand that poured out blessings is the hand that allowed the loss. It is a posture of total trust that God'scharacter remains good even when His providence feels painful.
The most radical part of this verse is the decision to praisein "may the name of the Lord be praised." Notice that Job’spraise isn't based on his circumstances, but on God’s identity. Circumstances change like the wind, but the "Name of the Lord" remains a constant, solid rock. Worship is not a reaction to feeling good but is a response to whoGod is.
Practice the principle of open hands. Literally open your hands in prayer today. Symbolically release the things you are clenching too tightly, whether it's a plan, a possession, or a worry. Separate the gift from the Giver and identify one blessing in your life today. Thank God for it, but then remindyourself: "God, You would still be enough."