Don’t Say A Word

There was nothing I could do that would make her grief go away.

Job 2:1-13

Reference:  v.13  Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was. (NIV Bible)

Explore:  It's so hard to see a loved one go through pain and suffering.  Recently I had a friend who experienced the loss of her mother.  There was nothing I could do that would make her grief go away.  And apart from providing a few simple meals, there was nothing I could do that would help her time pass more peacefully.  Even as we sat in the church ready for the funeral to begin I could not find the words to express my sorrow for her situation.  I left the church that day feeling terrible as I had not been able to do anything to alleviate my friend's suffering. 
A few weeks later I received a personal note.  My friend had written to tell me how much she appreciated all that I had done for her after her mother had passed away.  Just knowing that I was there for her had brought her comfort and she was so thankful that I had been present.  At a time when I had felt totally useless my friend had found comfort.

Application:  When Job went through utter suffering his friends gathered around him.  It says in today's Bible passage that they sat with him for seven days and seven nights without saying a word.  In times of grief there are few words that can really make any difference.  However knowing that people are there for you and thinking of you can bring comfort.  Often we feel the pressure to say the right thing or express ourselves completely.  However, when the grief is so raw often the best thing to do is just be there for our friends, even in the silence.

Prayer:  Lord, we pray for the loved ones we know who are hurting at the moment.  May they feel your presence around them at this time.  Amen.

Is there someone you know who needs you to sit with them?

Job