Moderator
Staff Member
I also could speak as you [do], If your soul were in my soul's place. I could heap up words against you, And shake my head at you; [But] I would strengthen you with my mouth, And the comfort of my lips would relieve [your grief]. Job 16:4-5 NKJV
Tomorrow’s the first day of summer. Thoughts turn to beaches, mountains, road trips, and pools. Plants grow best this time of year. This is a time to be refreshed. Job may have longed for the benefits of summer, but he felt locked in a forever winter with three unwelcome guests.
Job’s friends wouldn’t give him the benefit of their many doubts. They were certain Job’s sin was the building blocks of his personal calamity. They wouldn’t let him vent without reprimand or ask questions without replies that amounted to a collective “Knock it off.”
When Job was given a moment to speak, he tried to place his shoes on different feet. If his friends were struggling—if they were in his place—he would encourage, comfort, and help them find relief. He wouldn’t shake his head, cluck his tongue, and tell them they were wrong for feeling pain.
Take Job’s ideas. Try them out. Encourage, comfort, and relieve a friend’s pain. They’re experiencing winter—bring summer with you.
Prayer: God, I’ve experienced winter in my spirit, and it’s a lonely place to exist. Help me remember this when I see pain in the path of a friend.
Tomorrow’s the first day of summer. Thoughts turn to beaches, mountains, road trips, and pools. Plants grow best this time of year. This is a time to be refreshed. Job may have longed for the benefits of summer, but he felt locked in a forever winter with three unwelcome guests.
Job’s friends wouldn’t give him the benefit of their many doubts. They were certain Job’s sin was the building blocks of his personal calamity. They wouldn’t let him vent without reprimand or ask questions without replies that amounted to a collective “Knock it off.”
When Job was given a moment to speak, he tried to place his shoes on different feet. If his friends were struggling—if they were in his place—he would encourage, comfort, and help them find relief. He wouldn’t shake his head, cluck his tongue, and tell them they were wrong for feeling pain.
Take Job’s ideas. Try them out. Encourage, comfort, and relieve a friend’s pain. They’re experiencing winter—bring summer with you.
Prayer: God, I’ve experienced winter in my spirit, and it’s a lonely place to exist. Help me remember this when I see pain in the path of a friend.
