suffering comfort

When Job’s friends first arrived, they cried with him, and then just sat with him for seven days without giving any advice or analysis of his situation.  I think there is real wisdom in this.  I think when someone is truly suffering, what she or he may need most are friends to be WITH them, and walk WITH them through the suffering, not try to help them to reason their way out of it.  

Having been on both sides of the table of suffering: as one experiencing great pain and anguish, and one who is trying to bring comfort, I believe the reason for silence is because what is taking place in that moment is often too deep for words.  In my experience, God is doing something in the life of the person that is beyond explanation or analysis.  Support, comfort and quiet presence provides a safe place, and allows the Spirit of God to work in the life and heart of the person through the experience in ways that others, even ones closest friends, cannot comprehend.

I try to remember Psalms 23, “even when I am in the valley of the shadow of death, You are WITH me.”

Christ walks WITH us THROUGH the dark times.  Often He does not rescue us immediately from times of great pain.  When I am with someone who is suffering, I try to remember to follow that example and choose to be present, rather than give analysis, explanations or solutions.

Job’s friends got it right for the first seven days. They were the friends willing to simply sit in silence, weep, and be present WITH Job in his pain and suffering.