Read Job 16:1-22
In case you’re counting, this is Job’s fifth speech. Job is hurting, and he finally tells his friends their words aren’t helping. Job even tells them what it would look like if the tables were turned and they were the ones suffering. Job would be an encourager.
Those are good words for us to hear as caregivers in our day. We may rush to a loved one’s side offering all sorts of “help.” Sometimes, we’re in “fix” mode and words of wisdom come spewing from our mouths, just like Job’s friends did. The problem is “our” perspective isn’t always helpful. What will help most to alleviate the pain is encouragement.
We encourage each other when we build them up. Like Paul said in his parting words from 1 Thessalonians 5:11. “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” Job’s friends weren’t doing this. They could have encouraged Job by cheering him on, giving him strength to endure by reminding him of the man he had become before his tragedy. When we’re stuck in the muck of our problems, it’s hard for us to see clearly the beauty in life, the good that surrounds us despite the darkness.
Proverbs 12:25 is another example of this wisdom. Solomon writes, “Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.” If you’re offering a positive picture to someone lost in their despair, be careful. While Job says an encouraging word would help him, depressed people often have a hard time accepting such truth.
Job also lashes out at God a bit here. When lost in despair, it’s easy to see things that aren’t really there. For instance, Job says, “God hates me and angrily tears me apart.” We know that isn’t true, but Job believes it describes his reality. The way Job describes his life is heartbreaking.
Despite all the agony and statements Job spews about God, his faith doesn’t waver. Job admits, “Yet I have done no wrong, and my prayer is pure.” I appreciate that Job is a bit of a broken record when it comes to maintaining his innocence. How easy it would be to just give up and turn from God and let the darkness win.
When we face adversity in our lives, God gives us the choice in how we will respond, just like he did for Job. Do you find ourselves turning away from God or drawing closer? Reading Job’s example is encouraging for us to do the latter. God wants us to rely on him. Proverbs 3:5 is a good verse to reflect on. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.”
Let’s pray. Lord, I am again amazed by you and how you reveal your messages to me. Thank you for all you are doing in my life to help me grow closer to you. May I trust you when situations are hard and decisions uncomfortable. Your ways are so much better than mine. Help me to lend a hand to others in need, not judging them but offering an encouraging word. Put those words in my mouth, LORD. I call upon you today to rule in my heart and mind. May I be a blessing to those I encounter. May people see you in me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
