Be There #163

Job 2:11-13 Three of Job's friends were Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. When they heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him. 12 When they saw Job from a distance, they scarcely recognized him. Wailing loudly, they tore their robes and threw dust into the air over their heads to demonstrate their grief. 13 Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. And no one said a word, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.

Barbara Chesser in her book, Because You Care, begins chapter one with the simple admonition: “Be There.” Although Job’s friends are often criticized for their lack of theological understanding, their bad advice, and their outright misrepresentation of God; at least they cared.

How much do you care when you see a friend struggling, suffering, going through a rough time, or just needing some encouragement? Job’s friends after having heard of Job’s plight immediately got together and went to see Job. They took serious the task of “Being There.” The purpose of their visit was to comfort, console, encourage and give hope.

Upon seeing Job, the Bible says he was so bad that they scarcely recognized him, they began wailing loudly, tore their robes and threw dust into the air. It was a sign of their personal grief over the struggles of their friend. They sympathized with his sufferings and expressed it. An interesting response was their silence. Instead of trying to answer all the questions at once, or comfort with words, they simply sat in silence. Have you ever stayed away because you didn’t know what to say? Maybe silence says more than your words. His suffering was too great for words. Just “Being There” may be the best comfort you could give.

Find someone today who is hurting and just “Be There” for them. It might just be what they need the most.

______________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Tempe, AZ,

I pray that you have had a wonderful week, that you have experienced the presence of God and that you are trusting Him more and more.

Sandy and I had a great time on Saturday with all four of our grandsons visiting us. It is such a joy to watch them relate to one another. We are so blessed to have them all near by.

The picture is of Uncle Roger and Johnny. Don't know what Roger just said to him, but it must have been funny.

Sandy, Roger and I will be attending Meredith Allen's wedding in Kansas City this week. Meredith is Sammy and Kathy's daughter. Sammy for those of you who do not know is Sandy's brother.

Sandy is teaching on Tuesday mornings at First Baptist Church in Tempe. She is team teaching through the Book of Ephesians. Needless to say she is thrilled with the opportunity.

We are making preparation for our trip to Columbus, Ohio in early November. Pray for our study and preparation. Our theme this year is

"God is not finished with you yet." We are excited about the opportunity.

I scheduled a revival in February of 2012 in First Southern Baptist Church of Wickenburg, AZ. Looking forward to being with our friends there.

May God bless you as you serve Him and enjoy Him. May God use your life for His glory. ~ DGW