“…they began to weep aloud…” Job 2:12b

Friends are a blessing, especially during times of crisis. The old saying, “A friend in need is a friend indeed,” is quite true. Job had three close friends that heard about his calamity. They agreed to meet on a certain day to go to Job and offer him their moral support by sympathizing for him (v.11).

Once they arrived at Job’s home, they barely recognized him when they saw him from a distance. Job must have been such a sad sight that they began to weep aloud. So they tore their clothes and sprinkled dust on their heads, which in their day was customary to demonstrate grief and mourning. Job’s friends came next to him and sat on the ground with him for seven entire days. During that time, no one spoke a word, for they could see the magnitude of Job’s suffering, and at such times words may often seem shallow. Yes, just being there with him demonstrated their love for him.

True friends know very well the importance of being present at a time of need. One’s presence conveys a strong message of caring, as well as the value of the friendship. One can easily applaud Job’s friends for their sensitivity, sympathy and devotion. They were not about to let their friend slip into the ‘old friends file’.

We live in a disposable society. We generate more garbage than any other time in history. We make trash because we consume so much. We have appetites for food, wealth, work advancement, success, and much more. Some have appetites for recognition, touting a friend list of thousands… and perhaps they truly care for each other… but will they be there for each other – can they be there for each other? Sadly, our culture is often quick to dispose of past friendships too quickly. We do not allow for full venting of one’s reasons by shutting down avenues of communication. Part of the story of Job is reminding us today that real friends make the sacrifice to be there for each other.

Jesus is the Friend that sticks closer than a brother. He is the Friend that took the penalty for our sins, and Who is as close as the mention of His name in prayer – when we present to Him all of life’s concerns: our troubles, doubts, joys, and needs. He is the only One Who is able to sympathize for us completely, and Who is readily available to draw near to us as we draw near to Him.

As much as you are able to be, be a true friend to those you know are your friends, and be there for them, if at all possible, in their time of need.

Have a blessed day…