August 20

“The Lord gave–and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” — Job 1:21

God’s love is the same in the brightness–and when the brightness fades into gloom. It is the same in joy–and when the joy turns to grief. It is the same when blessings are given–and when the blessings are recalled.

It does not seem so to us; we easily believe that while God showers favors upon us–he loves us; but when he gives suffering and sorrow, we almost feel that he does not love us as before. Yet it may be, that there are even richer blessings in the things which make us grieve–than in those which give us gladness. We know at least that the same love sends both. That should be comfort for us. It is always love that comes from God–in whatever form or guise it comes. We need never doubt that this is true, “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and punishes every son whom He receives.” Hebrews 12:6