Some of us are natural fixers. We want to help people and take away their problems. We want to make things better for the person who’s struggling. We throw everything we have into helping someone else. But there are some things we just can’t fix. And we have to remember that being there for others is not the same as fixing things for others. Being there may involve giving some practical help, but it doesn’t give us the pressure of having to get things sorted. God is the One who can fix situations, heal brokenness and provide true comfort in hurt. God is the ultimate fixer. When we’re struggling, God can help us work through the emotions we have and the situations we find ourselves in. He takes us on a journey of manageable steps. He rebuilds our hope. God promised Israel that He’d ‘make the Valley of Achor a door of hope’ (Hosea 2:15 NIV). And He can do the same for us too. Achor means trouble. So God’s saying He’ll turn trouble into hope. When those around us have lost their hope, it can be tricky to know what to say or do to help them regain it. Sometimes we just have to sit there and listen. We have to let people express their emotions. The Bible says: ‘Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn’ (Romans 12:15 NIV). One of the biggest things about being there for people, is to make sure we’re there for them even when the worst of the situation appears to be over. God’s healing is a process. It takes time. And so we need to keep being there for people, throughout the step by step journey God’s taking them on. 

What Now?

Next time you’re with someone who’s going through a tough time, give them space to talk and express their emotions before you try and offer any other help.