Week of August 21, 2020

“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 (NKJV)

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2(NKJV)

We often criticize Job’s friends, but nobody could doubt their sincerity. They sat with him for seven days and nights. I am sure their presence was a comfort to Job’s distressed heart.

Job’s friends did not know why he was suffering, and neither do we know that ourselves probably most of the time when we are suffering. However, his friends teach us the value of support. They also teach us that when you don’t know what to say, it is probably better to say nothing. Their presence would have been enough until Job could regain his bearings.

Do not allow distressing circumstances to undermine your faith in God. Keep God’s love at the center of your thoughts. Say like Job; “ Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him…”

Hold to your faith in the presence of adversity. In so doing, you will become a source of strength to others who suffer even if you have no words to say. Just knowing that you are there and that you care will bring comfort to their soul. Who do you know presently that you could help lift a burden?

God Bless, Pastor Rick