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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I praise you today as “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (2 Cor 1:3). Job said that a true friend encourages and eases others’ pain with their words (Job 16:5), and you are just such a friend to me. I praise you for your plan to bless others through my suffering. Paul said that you comfort me in my affliction so that I may be able to comfort others who are in affliction, giving them the comfort with which I myself am comforted by God (2 Cor 1:4). Today in Your Word Today you told me about Eliphaz’s second speech to Job. In his first speech, Eliphaz had been cautious and courteous in his rebuke (Job 4:2). This time he attacked Job sharply and accused him of foolishness and iniquity. What Job needed, Eliphaz thought, was a fresh reminder of the sinfulness of man and the terrible fate that awaits the wicked. Job responded by telling him that if the situation was reversed, Job would have comforted Eliphaz instead of berating him (Job 16:5). Job continued by pointing out that his reaction to the calamity you brought upon him was humility—a response that I would do well to imitate (Job 16:15–17). Job again longed for an intercessor between him and God (Job 16:18–21)—then his thoughts returned to death. Reflection Job’s emotional ups and downs mirror my own in times of suffering—despair one moment and hope the next. However, Job consistently tried to put what he knew to be true about you above the emotional torment that he was experiencing. What an inspiring example for me to follow! Request Father, help me recognize that my life is in a constant process of refinement. Your goal is that my faith, which is more precious than gold, would bring praise and glory and honor to your Son, Jesus Christ (1 Pet 1:6–9). Enable me to bring comfort to those who are suffering (Col 4:11). Thanksgiving Thank you for the confidence I have that he who began a good work in me will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Phil 1:6). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “God Will Take Care of You” by Civilla D. Martin. Meditation Verse: Job 17:9.