TOGETHER IN TIMES OF SADNESS
Part 2
Job’s friends wanted to give him advice, but what they should have done is just pray for him.
One way of consoling someone in the midst of their problems is listening to them, being patient with them and letting them speak. They need to know that someone understands their pain.
Advice can sometimes feel heavy or bothersome for someone who is going through moments of pain. We can help them better by giving them time, listening to them, or simply giving them our company so they know they are not alone.
3 things that happen when we do this:
1. Comprehension.
2. Clarity. When we write or say things, they can be made clear.
3. Motivation and purpose. When receiving consolation, motivation is also received to push forward.
Jesus wanted to tell them in some way, “Stay with me, I am sad, I know what is coming to me, I know you will run away when you see the danger. Even though I came to help people, those same people are going to crucify me.” He told them, “Knowing you are with me will make me feel understood and clears my thoughts to motivate me to push forward in my purpose.”
You don’t need everyone to understand you. You only need a few friends to pray for you and be with you. In those problems we need the Lord and a few friends. A few friends were praying for Jesus and even though they fell asleep, they didn’t leave, and were there by His side. There, Jesus renewed His strength to fulfill His purpose and be ready when the betrayal came.
Think about it:
Who are those few friends who motivate you to push through?
Do you have a friend who may be needing consolation, who you can bring company to and listen to?
What is your purpose for which you need to keep pushing through?
