Job 6:26 (NASB) “Do you intend to reprove my words, When the words of one in despair belong to the wind?”

Despairing words. Anyone living in a home with bipolar has heard them. The frustrated, angst-filled words that roll so quickly off the tongue in moments of anger or distress.

I find those words are even more prevalent when my son is in a mixed state — racing thoughts and rapid speech combined with depression and/or anxiety.

Early on in our journey I used to try to reason with him when he was in one of these places. I felt that I needed to help him think clearly when he was not able to do so — so I would remind him of what is true and right and good and try to help him think more Biblically.

But what I have learned over the years is that it doesn’t work. At that moment in time he simply is not in a place where he can hear me. While I don’t want to get down and wallow in the mire with him, I have to recognize and acknowledge the mire he feels he is in.

This all made sense to me one day when I read this passage in my Bible: “… the words of a despairing man belong to the wind.”

Belong to the wind…. That means they are to be allowed to blow away and not taken to my heart. They are to be let go and not taken so seriously. They should not discourage or frighten me. They belong to the wind.

Don’t misunderstand me. It is important to go back and remind of what is true and right and good. But in those dark moments, those moments filled with despairing words, the best medicine is often to just listen and let them blow away with the wind. Later, when things have settled, I can go nuzzle up and prayerfully remind him how loved and cherished he is, what amazing plans God has in store for him, what a gift and treasure he is.

A special friend in my life recently sent me a thought. I do not know where it originates but wish it were with me. It so beautifully captures what I am thinking about this passage. Here is what it says:

Oh, the comfort – the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person – having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain together; certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then with the breath of kindness blow the rest away.

Let’s be the kind of people who will listen thoughtfully to the despairing words, and then gently, with love and kindness, let them blow away with the wind.