If only I knew where to find God,
    I would go to his court.

I would lay out my case
    and present my arguments.

Then I would listen to his reply
    and understand what he says to me.

Would he use his great power to argue with me?
    No, he would give me a fair hearing.

Honest people can reason with him,
    so I would be forever acquitted by my judge.

Job 23:3-7

Job’s words of sorrow are stark:

Darkness is all around me;
    thick, impenetrable darkness is everywhere.
Job 23:17

‍

• Eliphaz is convinced he knows exactly why Job is suffering, and why God is doing what He is doing.
• Job is sure God is reasonable enough to hear him.
• Job discusses the injustice of wicked people being allowed to prosper, and how things don’t always happen in the way we expect.
• In the midst of grief, people do not need trite answers or false certainty. 
• Ways we can be there for those who are grieving or suffering:
  • Offer empathy, showing we understand how they are feeling.
  • Offer practical help if that is what is needed.
  • Don’t try to give answers to tragedy, or misuse scriptures. Scripture should be comforting and truthful, but never diminishing or trite.
  • Mourn with those who mourn.
  • Be available to sit with others in their grief.
  • Pray for them, but don’t JUST pray. Do something that is helpful for them.
  • The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
    Psalm 34:18
  • God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
    Matthew 5:4

Offer empathy, compassion, comfort, and genuine help to those who are hurting and suffering.