Sit in the Dirt

The other day I was talking to my friend who is part of a small group at church. She told me that their last small group meeting was spent at a wake for one of their member’s dad. Usually small group meetings include snacks, games, dinner and Bible studies, so I was a little taken back when she told me they went to a wake!

She told me that the fact that their group attended the wake meant a lot to the person whose dad passed away. Their attendance had shown support and love to their friend who had just experienced a tough loss.

Through this situation, I was reminded that we don’t always have to say exactly the right words to someone who’s struggling. Sometimes it’s enough just for us to be a listening ear. It’s enough just to be there for them.

As I was reading in Job today, I was reminded that Job was a man who had lost everything. He lost everything he owned and everyone who was dear to him. He also suffered physically with terrible boils from head to toe. This man was about as low as anyone could go.

Job’s wife suggested he curse God and die! Now there’s a good example of a time when someone should’ve just kept their mouth shut! Job’s response was to say that it’s not right just to accept only good things from God and nothing bad.

While Job is in the midst of his grieving and suffering, three of his friends decided to come to him to comfort and console him. Their names were Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar (just thought you’d want to know in case you’re looking for baby names). When these three men saw Job from a distance, Scripture says they hardly recognized him.

The next part of the story is very poignant. Job 2:12 says they wailed loudly, tore their robes and threw dust over their heads. Then it says they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights! Can you imagine sitting with someone and grieving with them for seven days? I love what the next verse says, “No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.”

Don’t you just get a kick out of that picture? Imagine four grown men sitting on the dirty ground in torn clothing, probably smelly after not showering for seven days. Now that’s sympathy! I especially love the part where Scripture says that they didn’t say a word. Of course if they were women, they might have only lasted a day or so without talking!

This story is a good example for us. When people around us are hurting, we don’t have to know exactly what to say, but we can listen. It’s actually a freeing concept for me, since I’ve been known to say the wrong thing once or twice! Our presence can be enough. However, try not to go seven days without a shower, or they may ask you to leave!

Scripture: Job 1-2:13

Prayer: Lord, it’s hard to watch people we care about suffer. We want to fix their situation so they don’t have to hurt anymore. However, You have shown us through the example of Job and his friends that sometimes we just need to be available to listen. We just need to listen and let You do the rest. Help us to rest in You for our needs and for the needs of others around us.