Worship in the Midst of Grief

    Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped.-Job 1:20

This morning, I began reading the book of Job again.  If you are unfamiliar with the story, Satan kills all of Job's children, his livestock, and his crops, leaving him with essentially nothing. I have read this book many times, but this morning I was struck by Job 1:20.  Assuredly, part of Job's response is what I would expect.  He tore his robe and shaved his head.  In other words, he was experiencing a deep grief and sadness.  I cannot fathom the pain he must have experienced in that moment. 

But without even stopping to catch his breath, the writer said that Job "fell on the ground and worshiped." He worshiped.  He ascribed worth to the God of the universe.  In modern society, we tend to associate worship with happiness, with good times, but the Bible presents a much more full-orbed view of worship.  God's people worship in all circumstances--sadness, grief, happiness, fear.  In all circumstances, they give glory to God. 

Do you find that it is easier to worship God when you are feeling happy?  What does it look like to worship God in the midst of trial.