Encouraging sinners, servants, and sufferers with the friendship of God.

What does “Friend of Job” mean?

Job is an ancient sinner, servant, and sufferer, whose famous and perplexing story is found in the Bible. Though he is described as a blameless and upright man who feared God, he suffered greatly not only at the hands of his divinely-appointed circumstances, but also subsequently at the hands of his closest friends. We believe that, among the many lessons at the heart of the biblical book:

God is the good and true Friend of Job—and of all His people.

We both humbly accept and courageously struggle with the many mysteries of suffering and, by the grace of God, we come away with at least some precious insights into the friendship of God. We want to rest in and grow in it; model and point to it; and advocate for it.

How do we do this? We point our fellow sinners, servants, and sufferers to the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, whose finished work is the only way to friendship with God. And we serve pastors, church planters, missionaries, and ministry leaders through a ministry of pastoral and member care, debriefing, teaching, resourcing, and more.

Where we succeed in our work, God’s friendship is our aim, example, and strength.

Where we fail, God’s friendship is our correction, refuge, and hope.

  • "Then Job got up, tore his robe, and shaved his head; then he fell to the ground and worshiped. He said, 'Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.' Despite all this, Job did not sin, nor did he blame God."

    (Job 1:20-22)

  • "Then [Job's] wife said to him, 'Do you still hold firm your integrity? Curse God and die!' But he said to her, 'You are speaking as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we actually accept good from God but not accept adversity?' Despite all this, Job did not sin with his lips."

    (Job 2:9-10)

  • “Be silent before me so that I may speak; then let come upon me what may. Why should I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hands? Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him."

    (Job 13:13-15)

  • "My spirit is broken, my days are extinguished, the grave is ready for me. Mockers are certainly with me, and my eye gazes on their provocation."

    (Job 17:1-2)

  • "For He carries out what is destined for me, and many such destinies are with Him. Therefore, I would be terrified at His presence; when I consider this, I am frightened of Him. It is God who has made my heart faint, and the Almighty who has terrified me; but I am not destroyed by darkness, nor by deep gloom which covers me."

    (Job 23:14-17)

  • "But now those who are younger than I mock me, whose fathers I refused to put with the dogs of my flock. ... And now I have become their taunt, and I have become a byword to them. They loathe me and stand aloof from me, and they do not refrain from spitting in my face. Because He [God] has undone my bowstring and afflicted me, they have cast off the bridle before me."

    (Job 30:1, 9-11)

  • "Oh that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature; let the Almighty answer me! And the indictment which my adversary has written, I would certainly carry it on my shoulder, I would tie it to myself like a garland. I would declare to Him the number of my steps; like a prince, I would approach Him."

    (Job 31:35-37)

  • "Then Job answered the Lord and said, 'I know that You can do all things, and that no plan is impossible for You. "Who is this who conceals advice without knowledge?" Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I do not know. "Please listen, and I will speak; I will ask You, and You instruct me." I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; but now my eye sees You; therefore I retract, and I repent, sitting on dust and ashes.'”

    (Job 42:1-6)

  • "It came about after the Lord had spoken these words to Job, that the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, 'My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me what is trustworthy, as My servant Job has. Now therefore, take for yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, and go to My servant Job, and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves, and My servant Job will pray for you. For I will accept him so as not to do with you as your foolishness deserves, because you have not spoken of Me what is trustworthy, as My servant Job has.'"

    (Job 42:7-8)

  • “We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.”

    (James 5:11)

Disclaimer

Though we seek to provide skillful and informed care, please note: we are not licensed mental health professionals.

The information and resources provided on this website are for educational purposes and are not intended as mental health interventions or a substitute for mental health treatment. We are unable to provide information that may be construed as legal advice, financial advice, medial advice, or mental health counseling.

If you are in need of help or medical attention, please seek the help of your primary care provider and/or a mental health professional. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911, 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), 1-800-985-5990 (Disaster Distress Helpline), or the SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).