He Lifts the Brokenhearted: A Devotional on Job 5:11
Have you ever received advice that sounded spiritual but didn’t sit quite right?
In Job 5, we hear from Eliphaz — one of Job’s friends who tried to explain away Job’s suffering. Eliphaz believed that hardship must be the result of sin and that if Job would just repent, God would restore him. While some of what Eliphaz said was true about God’s character, he missed the mark when it came to compassion and understanding.
Job 5:11, however, stands out as a beautiful truth: “The lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety.” It’s a glimpse of God’s tender care, even spoken by someone who didn’t fully grasp the situation. God sees the brokenhearted. He defends the vulnerable. He lifts the weary and shelters those who mourn.
This verse reminds us that God’s heart is for the hurting. He doesn't ignore our pain, and He certainly doesn’t abandon us in our sorrow. Instead, He meets us in the valley — and from there, He lifts us.
Whatever you're walking through today — grief, uncertainty, discouragement — know that God sees you. He is the lifter of your head (Psalm 3:3) and the One who restores what is broken. Even when others misunderstand your pain or offer unhelpful advice, God understands it fully. And He will gently raise you to a place of safety and peace.
Reflection Questions:
Have you ever felt misunderstood in your suffering? How did you find comfort in God’s truth?
In what ways has God lifted you during difficult seasons in your life?
How can you extend compassion to someone else who might be in the midst of mourning?
Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being the One who lifts the lowly and comforts those who mourn. Even when others don’t understand what we’re going through, You do. Help me rest in Your presence, trust in Your timing, and reflect Your compassion to others. Amen.