something to ponder

Something to Ponder

“The book of Job is not only a witness to the dignity of suffering and God’s presence in our suffering but also our primary biblical protest against religion that has been reduced to explanations or 'answers'. Many of the answers that Job’s so called friends give him are technically true. But it is the 'technical' part that ruins them. They are answers without personal relationship, intellect without intimacy…On behalf of all of us who have been misled by the platitudes of the nice people who show up to tell us everything is going to be all right if we simply think such and such and do such and such, Job issued an anguished rejoinder. He rejects the kind of advice and teaching that has God all figured out, that provides glib explanations for every circumstance. Job’s honest defiance continues to be the best defense against the clichés of positive thinkers and the prattle of religious small talk.”--Eugene Peterson

I am learning based on recent experience that the very best thing we can do when others are hurting is simply to listen and give a hug. I wish I had known this before so I could have known how best to "be there" for a friend who is hurting. People can try so hard to come up with something to say not realizing the best thing they can offer is the gift of presence.