January 23, 2025 -What's the Need?

JOB 15:1-18:21

One Year Bible Audio & Daily Reading (oneyearbibleonline.com)

Job 16:4 I could say the same things if you were in my place.

    I could spout off criticism and shake my head at you.

5 But if it were me, I would encourage you.

    I would try to take away your grief.

6 Instead, I suffer if I defend myself,

    and I suffer no less if I refuse to speak.

Good advise for me. Can we respond as Job's friends had? Yes, we can, Job knows that even he could say the same in this situation if the roles were reversed. But Job the one who is suffering tells them what he needs. I am an advice giver, a fixer. I see a problem and I want to help. At least that's what I think I am doing. But I need to remember that my friend who is suffering may need me to encourage them and comfort them more than figure out the problem and tell them how to fix it. This is an area that I have worked on in my life over the years and I hope that I have gotten better but God made me a problem solver so I know there are times that I am in a situation for that purpose but there are also times I am not.

Lord give me the discernment to know what to do when I am put in a situation where someone is suffering or facing challenges. May your Holy Spirit guide me to know when to comfort and encourage and when to problem solve or speak a truth even when it is difficult, and when to be silent and just listen. Give me your heart for others. In Jesus name, Amen.