Friendship In Hard Times

Who are your friends? There are many different types of friends. Some who are only there for a firing swell and perfect conditions and there are others, who sit and enjoy your company, even in a flat spell.

While studying the book of Job, this past week, two themes really stuck out. Friendship and wisdom. In the story of Job, he loses almost everything. Job lost his children, he lost his crops and he even lost his health. Job even lost the support of his wife. In a blink of any eye, everything was gone and Job had nothing. Even in his despair and extreme loss, Job loved the Lord and did not curse God. His whole world turned upside down.

In Job’s darkest days, full of sorrow, his friends came to visit him. The whole visit, they criticized Job and every aspect of his life. Instead of encouragement and love, which Job needed, their words were full of judgement and hate. They made terrible comments, that Job was a sinner, and God was punishing him for it. When that was furtherest from the truth. A man already broken and depressed, being ridiculed by his closet friends.

When a friend’s car quits running, because they never changed the oil, how easy is it to criticize them on their mistakes? “Well this wouldn’t have happened if you had just….” Or just be a help in their time of need. A ride when they need it or help fixing their car. What would have happened, if Job’s friends showed up with soup, tools and encouraging words?

The second point is wisdom. Many people tend to think, the older someone is, the wiser they are. This is not always the truth. Life is very unfair and can be really hard, especially without Jesus. This can lead to hardened hearts, full of criticism and jaded opinions. “The fear of the Lord, is the beginning of wisdom” Proverbs 1:7. Job’s friends were not handling the situation wisely. They did not offer to pray for Job or seek counsel from God. Sometimes, people just need a shoulder to cry on and be supported. Leave judgement for God and harsh words at the door.

In surf culture, people tend to be pretty self centered. How many times are kooks (novices) out in the water and they are given no grace. Criticized for board choice or style, simply because it is different. Judging someone based on how good they are in the water. How quick are we to say harsh words, when we are cut off or dropped in on?

This coming week, I challenge us to be a little slower to speak. Take time to pray about how to be a help to our friends, rather than cut them down. How can I be a better friend this week?

Image by: Harrison Hobbs