Sometimes, Your Presence Is All A Friend Needs.
When three of Job's friends heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him. Their names were Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. When they saw Job from a distance, they scarcely recognized him.
Wailing loudly, they tore their robes and threw dust into the air over their heads to show their grief.
Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.
Job 2:11-13
Wailing loudly, they tore their robes and threw dust into the air over their heads to show their grief.
Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.
Job 2:11-13
Job was in deep agony. The once well-respected and wealthy man had lost everything. It was obvious that his entire countenance had changed because his friends could barely recognize him from a distance. Alll those friends could do was sit in silence with Job for seven days without saying a word. Job's suffering was simply too great for words.
There is a valuable lesson that is applicable to our lives: Sometimes, our presence is all that is needed. The truth is: Every person will undergo some severe challenges at some point in life.
Those challenges could be in the loss of a loved one; a miscarriage; a traumatic divorce; failing an important exam; a challenging reversal in health. . . In those trying situations, we need others to stand with us and console us.
Sometimes, all we need from those friends and well-wishers is just their presence. Sometimes our silent presence is more effective than a barrage of words aimed at giving consolation. Sometimes our words might come out the wrong way and raise more questions than provide answers. We must discern between when to speak and when to remain silent. May God give us the grace and wisdom to know how to console others appropriately…When to speak and when to remain silent!
There is a valuable lesson that is applicable to our lives: Sometimes, our presence is all that is needed. The truth is: Every person will undergo some severe challenges at some point in life.
Those challenges could be in the loss of a loved one; a miscarriage; a traumatic divorce; failing an important exam; a challenging reversal in health. . . In those trying situations, we need others to stand with us and console us.
Sometimes, all we need from those friends and well-wishers is just their presence. Sometimes our silent presence is more effective than a barrage of words aimed at giving consolation. Sometimes our words might come out the wrong way and raise more questions than provide answers. We must discern between when to speak and when to remain silent. May God give us the grace and wisdom to know how to console others appropriately…When to speak and when to remain silent!
Prayer: Father, I ask that you give me the grace and wisdom to know when silence is appropriate when consoling others. Thank you, Lord. Amen.