I have heard many such things; miserable comforters are you all.

Job 16:2 ESV

How do we comfort one in affliction? Here’s Job’s request.

Have mercy on me, have mercy on me, O you my friends, for the hand of God has touched me!

Job 19:21

Paul encourages us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15).

We shouldn’t, however, encourage self-pity. Self is always death to a saint. Self is supposed to be crucified, dead, and buried. We don’t need to be helping anyone resurrect it. Putting our eyes on ourselves is depressing. Putting our eyes on Jesus brings light to our eyes.

We can encourage one another to look to Jesus, to trust His goodness and sovereignty, to humble ourselves instead of demanding answers, and to find there the merciful, loving arms of the Lord ready to hold us fast.

It’s the joy of the Lord; that’s our strength. One needing comfort is one needing strength. We can help each other find the joy of the Lord in the midst of whatever the circumstance. His love and goodness is there. If His presence is there, there is joy to be found. We can give thanks and praise as a sacrifice. We can help each other make the choice to look to our good Father and remember who He is.