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I’m still slowly reading through the book of Job. Do you ever take note of your thoughts while you read your Bible? While reading Job I have been thinking, “What a bunch of long-winded people!” Job and each of his friends talk on and on, sometimes for several chapters. The editor in me longs to edit down what each of them has to say to just a paragraph or two.

I also have decided that in part, the book of Job gives us an example of what NOT to say to someone who is grieving. Job’s friends start out well, just sitting with him quietly. I think I would have appreciated that when I was grieving, just a quiet presence at my side. I would not want unsolicited advice, or to be told that what happened was all my own fault — which is what Job hears from his friends when they start lecturing him.

I just reached the part where a fourth man, who was not mentioned at the beginning, has suddenly spoken up. Elihu is younger than the other men, but he is certain he knows the answers. He is going to set them straight. Just listen to me, he tells them; I know what I’m talking about.

Reading his lengthy discourse, I have started to feel sorry for Elihu. Job has been complaining that God is not listening to him, is not answering him. Of course not, Elihu says. “If you sin, how does that affect him? If you are righteous, what do you give to him? Your wickedness only affects humans like yourself, and your righteousness only other people.” (Job 35: 6-8)

God does not listen to people, Elihu says. How sad that he believes this! I cannot read my Bible without getting the very clear message that God DOES listen, and he does care. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you,” Peter assures us. (1 Peter 5:7) Psalm 55:22 tells us, “Cast your care on the Lord and he will sustain you.”

But like Job, we start to fret when we think God is not answering our prayers. Even King David wrestled with this question — see Psalms 13 and 22. Job has given me a new thought about this. When we can’t hear God’s answer, could that be a time when he is just sitting quietly at our side? He did not promise that we would not have troubles, but he did promise that he would be with us through them all.

That’s another thing that stands out in Job’s story: his sturdy faith in God. Job thinks that God has turned his back on him, but he keeps questioning and keeps looking to God for answers. People sometimes turn away from God when disaster strikes. They blame God for what happened and want nothing more to do with him. But Job never once gives up on God. He keeps on talking to God, pleading for answers. I get the feeling he is not merely hoping, he is confidently expecting answers and just wondering why God is taking so long.

We know that God never gives up on us. Peter wrote, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) Which is what Job does after God finally speaks to him. (I peeked ahead.)

Another lesson — perhaps the main lesson — I see in Job is that no human can understand God’s ways. But just as he never gives up on us, we should never, ever give up on him, no matter how bad things seem.