Job 2:11-13

You Don’t have to have all the Answers

So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great. ~ Job 2:13

Over two years ago, I went through training at my church to serve on the Lay Ministry Team.  It’s a group of people who care for others during times of need and crisis. One of the biggest takeaways from that training was this simple truth that you don’t have to have all the answers. When someone is hurting, struggling, or grieving, sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply be there, to sit quietly, to listen, and to love.

That’s what today’s scripture reminded me of. Yes, later in the book of Job we’ll read that his friends didn’t always get it right when they started talking, but for a moment, let’s recognize what they did do well. When they heard about Job’s suffering, they came. They didn’t just send a message or offer to lift him up in prayer, they showed up in person. They wept with him. They tore their clothes, threw dust on their heads, and sat in silence beside him for seven days and nights. SEVEN WHOLE DAYS AND NIGHTS! I can’t even imagine sitting in torn clothes with ashes on my head and 3 close friends sitting with me for an hour let alone an entire week! But that’s what Job’s friends did. No words. Just presence.

That kind of compassion is rare, and powerful. It’s a model for us today. You don’t have to fix someone’s pain. You don’t need the perfect scripture or just the right words. You just need to be present.

Here are some ways you can be there for your friend in need:

• Be intentional. When someone in your life is hurting, take the time to reach out, not just through words, but through presence.
• Practice the ministry of silence. If you don’t know what to say, that’s okay. Your quiet support can speak louder than words.
• Stay spiritually prepared. Pray and ask God for wisdom and sensitivity in how to support others with grace and gentleness.
• Follow up. After the initial crisis, check in with your friend. Healing takes time, and continued support matters.

Think of someone in your life who is going through a tough time. Write them a note, give them a call, or better yet, go sit with them. Let them know they’re not alone. You don’t have to solve anything. Just show up with love and compassion.

Today I want to encourage you by reminding you that Job’s friends weren’t perfect, but they got one thing right, they showed up and they stayed. We don’t have to be theologians or counselors to comfort others. We just have to be willing. In times of suffering, God uses our presence to bring His peace. So when you don’t have the words, let your love be loud in silence. Trust that your willingness to walk with someone through pain will make a difference.  Remember, you don’t have to have all the answers.Top of Form

Bottom of FormToday’s scripture reading: Job 2:11-13

11 Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, each one came from his own place—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. For they had made an appointment together to come and mourn with him, and to comfort him.

12 And when they raised their eyes from afar, and did not recognize him, they lifted their voices and wept; and each one tore his robe and sprinkled dust on his head toward heaven.

13 So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great.

Journal Prompt:

• Who in your life needs your quiet presence right now?
• How can you be a source of comfort without needing to say a word?
• Write a prayer asking God to help you be a friend who shows up with compassion and grace.