Job 2:11 When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamanite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him.
Job’s friends show up for him in a time of incredible loss and pain. It reminds me of the moment I learned my mother died very unexpectedly. I was at school and called my husband immediately, who was at the same school in his own classroom. I also called a dear friend, in her classroom, because saying it aloud helped me wrap my mind around the loss.
Job 2:12 When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads.
I will forever be grateful I made that call. While my wheels were spinning trying to process the loss, she galvanized the forces. Almost instantly, I was surrounded by five dear friends and fellow teachers. I remember us standing in a circle holding hands, and them praying for me as I sobbed. It was such a beautiful, powerful act in the midst of my shattering grief. None of them could make it better, but their presence and prayers were invaluable in that moment.
Job 2:13a Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights….
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the presence of friends when our burdens are too heavy to shoulder alone. There is so much about the book of Job that I don’t understand, Lord. Walk with me through this study. Draw me closer to You. Amen.
Job 2:13b …No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.
Have a blessed day.