How can we support those feeling isolated like Job in Job 19:17? Setting the Scene “ ‘My breath is repulsive to my wife, and I am loathsome to my own family.’ ” — Job 19:17 Recognizing the Weight of Isolation - Job describes total rejection—even those closest to him turn away. - Similar cries echo in Scripture: “I am like a desert owl… I lie awake; I am like a lonely bird on a housetop.” — Psalm 102:6-7 - The Lord records such anguish to move His people toward compassion. First Response: Show Up and Stay - Job’s friends began well: “They sat on the ground with him seven days… no one spoke a word, for they saw that his pain was very great.” — Job 2:13 - Presence often speaks louder than talk. • Call or text first, then offer an in-person visit. • Keep showing up; isolation deepens when others fade away after the first crisis wave. Listen Before You Speak - “Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak.” — James 1:19 - Invite them to share at their pace; resist the urge to explain the pain away. - Give non-verbal reassurance—eye contact, a gentle touch, nods of understanding. Share Their Tears - “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” — Romans 12:15 - Mirror their sorrow without fixing it; empathy reminds a sufferer they are not alone. Affirm Their Worth in Christ - “Because you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you…” — Isaiah 43:4 - Gently remind them of God’s unchanging view of their value, especially when human opinions have wounded them. Offer Practical Help - “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2 • Deliver meals, handle errands, babysit, or accompany them to appointments. • Provide rides to church or small-group gatherings; isolation shrinks when community is accessible. Guard Your Words - “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only what is good for building up.” — Ephesians 4:29 - Avoid simplistic explanations (“God must be teaching you something”) that echo the errors of Job’s friends. Intercede Faithfully - “Pray for one another so that you may be healed.” — James 5:16 - Mention their name in prayer daily, and tell them you are doing so; unseen spiritual support often lifts the heaviest cloud. Encourage Ongoing Connection - Suggest gentle re-entry into fellowship—coffee with a trusted believer, attending a small group, watching a livestream together. - “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together.” — Hebrews 10:24-25 Keep the Commitment - Isolation rarely resolves quickly; schedule follow-ups on your calendar. - Celebrate small steps they take toward renewed community and healing. Living It Out Supporting a modern-day “Job” means embodying Christ’s compassion through steady presence, attentive listening, affirming truth, practical service, guarded speech, and persistent intercession. As we do, we become tangible answers to the cry of Job 19:17 and reflect the Savior who promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” — Hebrews 13:5 |
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