Life throws us into situations that are not always pleasant. There are times, when the sky feels covered with gray clouds; prayers don't seem to penetrate heaven, and we feel that God is so far away. At such times, the temptation to doubt God's love and justice is great. Job experienced this kind of moment. In Job 22:11-20, Eliphaz accuses Job of being a wicked man who lives in darkness, fear, and spiritual pride. He describes Job as thinking that God, hidden in the clouds, cannot see his deeds (verse 13 & 14). Eliphaz likened Job to the wicked people of old who felt they could live without God, but were ultimately destroyed by God's wrath. Theologically, what Eliphaz said is true, God is indeed omniscient and all-powerful, nothing is hidden from Him. But he was wrong in his application. He failed to understand that suffering does not always mean punishment. Behind his spiritual rhetoric, Eliphaz was more busy defending his own doctrine and understanding than understanding the suffering of his friend.

Friends of the Bible, be careful in judging the suffering of others. God is high in the heavens, but He is also near to the brokenhearted. When others struggle in the dark, our call is not to judge, but to accompany, to be a friend who is willing to listen and to be a companion in the process of recovery.

The clouds may cover our view of the sky, but they never cover God's view of us. In the darkness of life, faith is not about understanding all the answers, but trusting that God is still watching, caring, and working, even behind the gray clouds. So, be a friend who is present, not an oppressive judge. In a world that is often too quick to judge, may we be the encouraging voice of love.