Devotionals

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No Words

“…No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.” Job 2:13 NIV

Her sudden death caught the whole community by surprise, including me. My dear friend went home to Heaven almost two years ago and my world hasn’t been quite as bright ever since that fateful day in June. She left behind a husband, two boys, and a multitude of friends that miss her dearly every day.

In the days and weeks following her death, I found myself pulling away from her family. It’s not that I meant to be aloof. I just didn’t know how to deal with the tragedy or better yet, how to help her family deal with it. I felt as though I didn’t know what to say to provide comfort to her grieving family. So I distanced myself. I will always regret my behavior and wish I had overcome my own doubts so I could really be there for my friends. I know now, I should have handled things differently.

I recently read about the trials and tragedy Job faced in the Old Testament. A wealthy farmer and landowner, Job suddenly lost everything he had at one time- family, fortune, health- all gone in the blink of an eye. Job’s whole life turned into a chaotic chain of tragic events as a test of his faith and loyalty to God.

During this time, three friends came to visit Job, hoping to provide comfort amidst his sorrow and calamity. The friends sat in silence with him for seven days. No words were spoken for a week! The friends showed up when Job needed them most. They chose to be present but yet not intrude with their voices. They realized Job’s pain was too deep to be healed with mere words and offered their companionship instead.

Too often I’m mislead to believe I need to offer magical words to help in difficult situations. But in most cases, all I need to offer is my presence to let others know I care about what’s going on their lives. Sometimes just being there is all that’s needed to communicate my love and compassion, just like the friends in the Bible. And by the way, Job’s friends did eventually speak and totally messed things up, thus being rebuked by God. Sometimes, no words are best as God works through your presence as a source of comfort and peace for the suffering.

“Lord, give me a heart of love and compassion for the hurting. Please help me not to shy away from being a present friend, even though I may not have eloquent words to share. Help me a companion to those in need, that I may share your love with them in the valleys of life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

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