Being There....

The best thing Job’s three friends did was at the beginning; they sat in silence with him. This showed solidarity, regardless of the reason for his suffering. We need to learn this type of consolation. When we have someone close to us suffering, the best thing we can do is be there for them. This can be done in many ways, but the best, most effective way is just be there. This may be physically, or spiritually, but the fact that you made yourself available to them, not even having to say a word, plays a huge role in the coping process. Just knowing you are there, sometimes unknowingly by the griever, brings a comfort that helps them cope. Don’t preach, or quote Bible verses, just sit there, next to them and share in their sorrow. A Swedish proverb says, “Joy shared is double joy... and Sorrow shared is half sorrow”. Be there for your loved one, you don’t even need to utter any words. Solidarity has a way of helping those in need, just by showing them you care and putting an arm around the one in desperate need.

11 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. 12 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. 13 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