Life is a journey filled with both blessings and challenges. We experience moments of joy, prosperity, and growth, but we also face times of loss, hardship, and uncertainty. The Bible teaches us that God is the giver of all good things and that He also has the power to take things away.
The famous phrase, “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away,” comes from the story of Job, which exemplifies God’s sovereignty over all aspects of our lives. This verse offers us comfort in times of hardship, reminding us that both our blessings and our struggles come from God’s will.
Through this blog post, we will dive deeper into this verse and explore 35 Bible verses that reflect on God’s control, the beauty of life and loss, and how we can find peace in both circumstances.
Bible Verses The Lord Gives and the Lord 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: This verse from Job highlights the incredible faith and trust Job had in God, even after experiencing the loss of his wealth, health, and family. Job acknowledges that everything he had came from God, and it is within God’s right to take it away. It serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and the importance of trusting Him through both the good times and the bad.
2. Psalm 29:11
“The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.”
Explanation: This verse emphasizes that the Lord not only gives material blessings but also spiritual strength and peace. While Job reflects on the Lord’s ability to take away, this verse reminds us that God also gives us the strength to endure and the peace to navigate through our struggles.
3. 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: The wisdom of Ecclesiastes teaches us that every part of life has its appointed time. This verse aligns with the theme that God’s timing governs both the good and the difficult moments in life. When we face loss, we can remember that it is simply part of the seasons that God has set in motion.
4. 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: This verse affirms that all good things come from God. The “Lord gives” part of the phrase is reflected here, encouraging us to recognize God’s gifts in our lives, whether they be material, spiritual, or relational.
5. 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: Even in times of loss, we can hold onto the truth that God works all things for the good of those who love Him. While the Lord may take things away, He always has a purpose in it, and we can trust that He will bring about good, even through hardship.
6. Matthew 6:25-26
“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?”
Explanation: Jesus teaches us not to worry about material things, reminding us that God provides for all of His creation. This reinforces the idea that the Lord gives, but also reminds us to trust in His provision and care.
7. 2 Corinthians 4:17
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
Explanation: Even though life can bring struggles, this verse reminds us that our afflictions are temporary, and they lead to eternal rewards. When God takes away, He also prepares us for something greater that awaits in eternity.
8. Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Explanation: Trusting God with everything, both the blessings and the losses, is central to this verse. We may not understand why God gives or takes away, but by trusting Him, He will guide us through every circumstance.
9. 1 Timothy 6:7
“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”
Explanation: This verse reminds us that material possessions and wealth are temporary. What truly matters is our relationship with God, and ultimately, we cannot take anything with us when we leave this world.
10. 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 wisdom and understanding far exceed our own. While we may not fully understand why God gives and takes away, we can trust that His ways are perfect and beyond our comprehension.
11. Hebrews 12:11
“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”
Explanation: Discipline or loss may seem painful at the time, but it yields lasting peace and righteousness. When God takes away, it is often to refine us and make us more like Christ.
12. Psalm 127:3
“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
Explanation: This verse reminds us that our children and the blessings of family are gifts from God. While He may take things away, He also gives blessings that are meant to be cherished.
13. 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 warns us against greed and the desire for material possessions, emphasizing that life is not defined by what we have. God gives, but He also takes away to remind us of the eternal value of spiritual wealth.
14. 2 Kings 2:9
“And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.”
Explanation: Elisha’s request for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit reflects the idea that God’s blessings are transferable and powerful. Even in moments of loss, God gives His Spirit and anointing to empower us.
15. Psalm 16:11
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
Explanation: God’s presence is a source of joy and fulfillment, even when life feels difficult. This verse reminds us that the true blessing is found in God’s presence, and nothing can take that away from us.
Conclusion
The phrase The Lord gives and the Lord takes away teaches us about God’s sovereignty, trust, and faithfulness in both prosperity and hardship. The Bible offers many verses that speak to God’s control over every aspect of our lives, whether He is blessing us with abundance or teaching us through loss.
Trusting in His wisdom and acknowledging His ways can bring peace and assurance that He is working all things for our good, even when we don’t understand the reasons behind the ups and downs.
Call to Action: How have you experienced God’s sovereignty in your own life? Share your thoughts, personal reflections, and favorite verses in the comments below!