In life’s journey, we often face moments of gain and loss. We receive blessings, yet sometimes endure hardships or loss. The Bible speaks about the profound reality that The Lord gives and takes away, which is a reminder of God’s sovereignty over all aspects of our lives.
This truth, expressed in the book of Job, brings both comfort and challenge to our hearts, teaching us to trust in God’s plan and wisdom, no matter the circumstances.
The phrase The Lord gives and takes away is often quoted, but what does it truly mean? In this blog post, we will explore Bible verses related to God’s giving and taking, how we can find peace in these moments, and how we are called to respond to God’s will.
Bible Verses About God’s Sovereignty: The Lord Gives and Takes Away
1. Job 1:21
“And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Explanation: In this verse, Job speaks after losing his wealth and children. Despite his grief, Job acknowledges God’s sovereignty, saying that everything he had was given by God and, when taken away, was God’s will. This verse exemplifies profound faith in God’s wisdom and control, even in the midst of suffering.
2. Deuteronomy 32:39
“See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.”
Explanation: God speaks through Moses, declaring His ultimate authority over life and death. He alone has the power to give life and to take it away. This verse reinforces the sovereignty of God in all matters, including both blessings and trials.
3. Psalm 115:3
“But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.”
Explanation: This verse reminds us that God is in control of all things. He is not limited by human understanding, and He acts according to His will, whether in giving or taking. Trusting God’s plan means recognizing His divine authority.
4. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.”
Explanation: These verses emphasize that all things in life occur according to God’s timing. There are seasons for both gain and loss, and God’s perfect timing governs every aspect of life. This understanding helps us embrace both the blessings and the trials we encounter.
5. 1 Samuel 2:6-7
“The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.”
Explanation: In this passage, Hannah prays and acknowledges God’s control over life and death, wealth and poverty. She affirms that God is the one who gives and takes away, showing His ultimate sovereignty in every area of life.
6. Matthew 6:11
“Give us this day our daily bread.”
Explanation: In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to ask God for our daily needs. The verse shows that God provides what we need each day, but it also reminds us that He may take away what we think we need, teaching us to depend fully on Him.
7. Luke 12:15
“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
Explanation: Jesus cautions against placing too much value on material possessions. The Lord may give and take away earthly riches, but true life and security are found in Him. This verse encourages us to focus on eternal things rather than temporary wealth.
8. Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Explanation: While the Lord may take away things from us, we are assured that He is always working things together for our good. Trusting God’s plan allows us to find peace even when faced with loss or difficulty.
9. Psalm 90:3
“Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men.”
Explanation: This verse highlights the fragility of human life. God has the power to give life and take it away. It reminds us to recognize the transient nature of our existence and to place our trust in God’s eternal plan.
10. Proverbs 22:2
“The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.”
Explanation: God is the creator of both the rich and the poor. In both abundance and lack, we are reminded that God is the source of everything we have. Whether He gives or takes away, we can trust that He is shaping our lives for His purposes.
11. John 15:5
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
Explanation: Jesus speaks of the importance of abiding in Him for true spiritual fruitfulness. Whether we experience times of blessing or loss, staying connected to Christ is the key to living a fruitful life.
12. James 1:17
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
Explanation: Every good gift comes from God, and He is unchanging in His nature. While He may take away certain things, we can trust that every blessing is from Him, and He will always provide what we need.
13. Genesis 2:7
“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”
Explanation: The Lord is the giver of life, and He has the authority to take life as well. This verse emphasizes God’s creative power and His role in both the creation and the end of life.
14. Isaiah 55:8-9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Explanation: God’s ways are higher than ours, and His plan is often beyond our understanding. Even when He gives or takes away, we are called to trust in His perfect wisdom and plan.
15. Hebrews 13:5
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
Explanation: Even in times of loss, we are reminded to be content and trust that God will never leave us. The Lord’s presence is a far greater blessing than material possessions.
Conclusion
The Bible is full of wisdom about God’s sovereignty over our lives. He is the giver of all things, and He is also the one who may take things away. Whether we face abundance or loss, we can trust that God is in control, and He has a good purpose for everything that happens.
The key is to recognize that God’s ways are perfect, even when we don’t understand them. The challenge for us is to maintain faith and trust in God, knowing that He is working all things for our good.
Call to Action: Have you experienced times of both giving and taking in your life? How did you respond to those moments? Share your thoughts, reflections, or favorite Bible verses in the comments below!