“Still I will worship” Text: Job 1:20-22 - Pastor Terry Brown, Senior Pastor

 

Summary

This morning, we gathered to reflect on the life of Job and the enduring faith that clings to God even when life falls apart. We were reminded that while life can be good, it can also change in an instant—one phone call, one diagnosis, one unexpected event can turn our world upside down. Yet, even in the midst of suffering, God remains good and sovereign. Job’s story teaches us that faith is not the absence of pain, but the presence of reverence for God in the midst of pain. When Job lost everything, his first response was not denial, but honest grief—he tore his robe, shaved his head, and fell to the ground in worship. This shows us that real faith doesn’t hide its pain; it brings it to God, trusting that only He can heal what we reveal.

We also learned that everything we have is temporary. Job’s declaration, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return,” reminds us not to hold too tightly to material things. God gives, and God takes away, but He is always worthy of our worship. Our praise should not be circumstantial; we worship God not just for what He gives, but for who He is. Even when God’s hand seems empty, we hold on because of His faithfulness, not just His gifts.

Job’s resolve in the face of suffering is a model for us. He did not sin or charge God with wrongdoing, even when everything was taken from him. This teaches us to guard our hearts and our words in seasons of trouble, trusting that God is still in control. We are challenged to worship relentlessly, to grieve honestly, and to trust reverently, knowing that God is worthy even when life is hard.

Finally, we are reminded that worship is not confined to Sunday mornings or church walls. Sometimes, our most sincere worship happens in our homes, in our pain, and in our private moments with God. We are called to bring our whole selves—our grief, our gratitude, our questions—to the feet of Jesus, trusting that He has brought us this far and will not leave us now.

Key Takeaways

- Honest Grief is Not a Lack of Faith
Job’s first response to loss was not to hide his pain, but to bring it openly before God. Tearing his robe and shaving his head were outward signs of deep sorrow, yet he fell in worship. Real faith does not deny pain; it surrenders it to God, trusting that only He can heal what we reveal. [51:43]

- God’s Worthiness is Not Tied to Our Circumstances
Job’s declaration that “the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” is a call to worship God for who He is, not just for what He gives. Our praise should not be circumstantial—God is worthy on the mountaintop and in the valley, in abundance and in loss. [01:00:10]

- Guard Your Heart and Your Words in Suffering
Even in the midst of unimaginable loss, Job did not sin or accuse God of wrongdoing. Our words in seasons of pain can either draw us closer to God or deepen our wounds. We are challenged to let our speech reflect trust in God’s character, even when we do not understand His ways. [01:12:35]

- Worship is a Posture, Not a Performance
True worship is not about appearances or outward displays, but about the posture of our hearts. Job’s worship was raw and real, unafraid of tears or brokenness. God cannot heal what we hide, and He desires our authentic surrender more than our polished performances. [53:11]

- God’s Faithfulness Extends Beyond Our Understanding
Job’s story reminds us that God sometimes allows what He could prevent, but even then, Satan is on a leash—he cannot go further than God permits. God’s faithfulness is not always seen in immediate deliverance, but in His sustaining presence and ultimate sovereignty over every circumstance. [01:24:37]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[20:46] - Supporting the Kingdom Beyond Ourselves
[22:09] - From Membership to Leadership
[23:59] - God Has the Final Say
[25:29] - Cheerful Giving and Stewardship
[26:28] - Praising God for His Goodness
[37:12] - Announcements and Men’s Ministry
[39:07] - Reading Job Chapter 1
[44:21] - When Life Changes Suddenly
[48:32] - Job’s Realistic Response to Suffering
[51:43] - Worship in the Midst of Grief
[56:46] - God’s Sovereignty and Our Perspective
[01:00:10] - Blessing God in Every Season
[01:05:43] - The Importance of Consistent Worship
[01:12:35] - Guarding Our Hearts and Words
[01:15:22] - Worship Beyond Sunday
[01:18:29] - Invitation and Testimonies
[01:23:24] - God Gives the Increase
[01:24:37] - God’s Sovereignty Over Suffering
[01:25:59] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Still I Will Worship” (Job 1)

---

### Bible Reading

Job 1:20-22 (NKJV)
> Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said:
> “Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
> And naked shall I return there.
> The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;
> Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
> In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.

---

### Observation Questions

1. What were Job’s first actions after he received the devastating news about his family and possessions? ([39:07])
2. According to Job 1:21, what truths does Job acknowledge about his life and possessions?
3. How does the passage describe Job’s response to God after his loss? Did he blame God or worship Him? ([39:07])
4. What outward signs did Job show to express his grief, and what did these actions mean in his culture? ([48:32])

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Job’s first response to suffering was to grieve openly and then worship, instead of hiding his pain or turning away from God? ([51:43])
2. What does Job’s statement, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord,” reveal about his understanding of God’s character and sovereignty? ([56:46])
3. The sermon said, “Real faith doesn’t wear a mask. It kneels in surrender.” What does this mean for how believers should handle pain and suffering? ([53:11])
4. In verse 22, Job did not sin or accuse God of wrongdoing. What does this teach about how we should guard our hearts and words during difficult times? ([01:12:35])

---

### Application Questions

1. The sermon said, “Job’s first reaction is not denial. It’s grief.” When you face loss or disappointment, do you tend to hide your pain or bring it honestly to God? What would it look like for you to grieve honestly before God this week? ([48:32])
2. Job declared, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return.” Are there things in your life you are holding onto too tightly? What is one thing you need to surrender to God’s control? ([56:46])
3. The pastor said, “Our praise should not be circumstantial—God is worthy on the mountaintop and in the valley.” Can you think of a time when you found it hard to worship God because of your circumstances? How might you choose to worship Him even when life is hard? ([01:00:10])
4. The sermon challenged us: “Don’t let your mouth get you in trouble just because you’re experiencing a little trouble.” When you’re hurting, do your words reflect trust in God, or do they sometimes make things worse? How can you be more mindful of your words in tough seasons? ([01:12:35])
5. The pastor said, “Worship is not a stage act. It’s the posture of the soul.” What does authentic worship look like for you outside of Sunday mornings? Is there a place or time in your week where you can intentionally worship God in your everyday life? ([01:15:22])
6. The sermon reminded us, “God can’t heal what you’re hiding.” Is there a pain, fear, or question you’ve been keeping from God? What would it look like to bring it to Him in prayer this week? ([56:46])
7. The pastor said, “God sometimes allows what He could prevent, but even then, Satan is on a leash—he cannot go further than God permits.” How does this truth affect the way you view your current struggles or suffering? ([01:24:37])

---

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to bring their honest grief, gratitude, and questions to God in prayer, trusting that He is good, sovereign, and worthy of worship in every season.

Devotional

Day 1: Faith That Endures Clings to God When Life Falls Apart
When life changes suddenly and suffering comes unannounced, the faithful are called to respond differently than the world. Job’s story reminds us that no one is immune to trouble, but the true test is how we respond when the worst day of our lives arrives. Even when everything is lost, faith that endures holds fast to God, trusting Him beyond circumstances. The storms of life may come without warning, but God remains the same, and our worship is not dependent on our situation but on His unchanging character. [44:21]

Job 1:20-22 (NKJV)
Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.” In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.

Reflection: When life changes unexpectedly, what is your first response—do you turn away from God, or do you cling to Him in worship and trust?


Day 2: Grieving Honestly Is Not Opposed to Worship
Grief is a real and honest response to pain, and faith does not require us to hide our sorrow. Job’s reaction to loss was not denial but open grief—tearing his robe and shaving his head as outward signs of inward pain. Yet, in his grief, he fell to the ground and worshiped, showing that worship does not exclude tears but sanctifies them. God invites us to bring our real emotions to Him, not to fake strength or hide our struggles, but to kneel in surrender and trust that only He can supply what we truly need. [51:43]

John 11:35 (NKJV)
Jesus wept.

Reflection: What pain or sorrow are you tempted to hide from God or others—can you bring it honestly to God in prayer today, trusting that He welcomes your tears?


Day 3: Recognizing God’s Sovereignty in Every Season
Job’s confession, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord,” reveals a heart that recognizes God’s sovereignty over all things. Possessions and circumstances are temporary, but God alone is eternal and worthy of worship. Even when life knocks us off our feet and we lose what we once held dear, we are called to bless God’s name, trusting that His plans are higher than ours. True maturity in faith means worshiping God not just when He gives, but also when He takes away, knowing that He is still good. [01:00:10]

Job 1:21 (NKJV)
And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Reflection: Is there something you are holding onto too tightly—how can you practice releasing it to God and blessing His name, no matter what He gives or takes away?


Day 4: Worship Is Not Based on Circumstances but on God’s Character
Worship is not a transaction for what we receive, but a response to who God is. Like Job, we are called to keep trusting and worshiping God even when things don’t go our way. Our praise should not be circumstantial, but rooted in the unchanging goodness and faithfulness of God. Whether on the mountaintop or in the valley, in abundance or in loss, God remains worthy of our worship. The best things in life cannot be bought, and there is nothing God cannot get us through if we keep holding to His unchanging hand. [01:06:42]

Psalm 34:1 (NKJV)
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Reflection: Think of a recent disappointment or loss—how can you intentionally praise God today for who He is, regardless of your circumstances?


Day 5: Enduring Faith Is Honest, Reverent, and Relentless
Enduring faith grieves honestly, trusts reverently, and worships relentlessly, knowing that even when life is hard, God is still worthy. We do not have to wait for Sunday or a special place to worship; we can fall on our faces before God wherever we are, bringing our whole selves to Him. God has not brought us this far to only bring us this far—He has more in store, and He is with us in every season. When we look back, we can see His hand over our whole lives, and that gives us confidence to keep trusting Him for what’s ahead. [01:15:22]

Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Reflection: Where do you need to trust that God is not finished with you yet—how can you step forward in faith, believing He has more for you?

Quotes

Job reminds us that, listen, you can't just come to church when the sun is shining and then disappear when it starts raining. The same God that opened the door is the same God that's worthy of our worship when the door closes. The same God that healed mama last time and now that he's called her home is the same God that's worthy of our worship. [00:47:36] (23 seconds)  #WorshipInSunshineAndStorm Edit Clip

Job's first reaction is not denial. It's grief. Grief is real. In biblical times, tearing one's robe and shaving of the head were outward signs of inward sorrow. Job's actions show that faith is not the absence of pain. It's the presence to reverence God in the midst of pain. [00:49:45] (30 seconds)  #FaithInPainNotAbsence Edit Clip

Jesus wept. What makes you think you're not? Let me ask the question again. Jesus wept. What makes you think you're not? Jesus himself, he wept at Lazarus' tomb. Worship doesn't exclude tears. It sanctifies them. Job teaches us that when your heart is broken, the best place to be is at God's feet. [00:51:24] (39 seconds)  #TearsSanctifiedInWorship Edit Clip

Job didn't, watch this, he didn't fake strength. Job brought his grief to God. Real faith doesn't wear a mask. It kneels in surrender. Worship is not a stage act. It's the posture of the soul that says what I need, only God can give it to me. [00:53:01] (28 seconds)  #AuthenticFaithInGrief Edit Clip

God can't do much with people who are faking he can't heal what you're hiding he can't forgive what you keep putting in the closet you gotta bring it all and lay it on the table the songwriter says I gave him this and I gave him that I put it all in his hands anybody say pastor I got some stuff that I need to put all on the table because only God can help me with it. [00:56:32] (49 seconds)  #BringItAllToGod Edit Clip

Enduring faith grieves honestly, trusts reverently, worships relentlessly because it knows that even when life is hard God is still worthy. [01:14:55] (21 seconds)  #EnduringFaithWorships Edit Clip