Anchor Devotional
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Nothing to Say
“Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.” Job 2:13
Not far out of town from where I lived, a young father died, his wife at his bedside. His brother and sister-in-law called me in the middle of the night to join them as they broke the news to the four young children.
Only a year out of seminary, I felt unprepared. What would I say to these now-fatherless children? The brother and sister-in-law spoke beautifully, carrying the conversation. I occasionally contributed but left feeling a bit embarrassed that I’d said so little. Yet later the brother and sister-in.law expressed their deepest thanks to me for “all you did for us and the children” as they shared the time together. I was stunned, but grateful. Miraculously, God’s grace had kicked in.
There’s something to the ministry of presence. When you’ve nothing to say, say nothing. Often simply our company is enough. Job’s friends gave comfort when they sat with him in silence. But when they offered their “wisdom,” heated discussions arose. Sometimes just sitting silently with a person is all they need and all God wants us to do.
SCRIPTURE FOCUS
Job 2
INSIGHT
Reflect on a time when you were wonderfully calmed. What comforted you? Thank God. Then consider who needs your presence today.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Jeremiah 33-34
Psalm 119:65-120
1 Corinthians 12
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