Support: Coming alongside others and providing gentle, appropriate assistance with a problem or struggle. (Galatians 6:2)
I am very much of a task-oriented person. I can be flexible, but I do better when I have a plan and a purpose. My hubby on the other hand is more relaxed and an “on the fly” type of person. This is not to say he just does things all “willie nillie,” he plans, but it just looks different than the way I personally plan.
Because I can get very focused on my tasks – especially when planning a big family dinner, party or event – I can easily become overwhelmed, buckling under my “to do” list. This is when my husband comes in to support me. First he usually makes me stop a minute and give him a hug. It is his way to say, “ take a minute and breathe.” He then says, “What can I do to help?” This is just one of many ways he meets my need for support.
What does it look like to have your need for support met? Have you ever thought about a conversation with your spouse to clarify how each can better support the other?
Jesus – The Light of the World: (Jesus Meets Our Need For Support)
When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane He was looking for support from His friends, His disciples. He was about to face the most agonizing death and He was looking for one or more of His friends to support and comfort Him. Sadly though, He found His disciples asleep.
What do you suppose Jesus did when He found His friends asleep in His time of need? He went to His heavenly Father to meet His need.
Have you ever been there? Do you think God can meet your needs just as He met Jesus’ need?
Would you bring your need to Him and trust Him to meet it? He may use your spouse to meet that need, but He may want you to trust Him and allow Him to fill your need.
How awesome and beautiful our Father in heaven is! Go to our loving Abba,…He is waiting.
His Word – A lamp and a Light
Let’s do: Exodus 17:12: When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.
This is an amazing picture of support! Wow! Literally holding up your friend!
We can do this for our spouse when they feel overwhelmed. Maybe it would not be literally holding them up, but we can lift them up emotionally! How, you may wonder? Take their hands in yours and pray over them, give them comfort and listen to why they are feeling overwhelmed.
Our marriage relationship can be a beautiful picture to others. Just as Exodus 17:12 gives us a beautiful mental picture of support, our marriage can reflect Christ by supporting one another – no matter what!
You And I Are “The Light of the World” – Jesus Said So.
Support can be exemplified in many different ways. This week we focused on giving support when our spouse feels overwhelmed, but support can be shown in other ways:
- Physical support: Rolling up your sleeves and pitching in however your spouse needs. Or support may be physical by coming alongside to help with their workload. Take the kids on a fun outing while the other spouse focuses on his/her work
- Relational support: Reaching out, talking, listening, praying.
- Emotional support: Comfort, encouragement, touch (hugs, hand holding), advice – if wanted.
- Be the light of Jesus, (Acting as Jesus would and reflecting that love to the world) to your spouse by meeting the need for support, as appropriate for his/her needs.
Not sure what they may need?? Ask! Get together with your spouse and share with them that you have noticed they may be feeling overwhelmed. Ask how you can be a support and how that need can be met.
Remember that the way you feel supported may be totally different for your spouse. The best way to know is to ask them.
For sure – others are taking snapshots of your marriage – kids, neighbors, co-workers, and extended family, as well as, total strangers! No marriage is perfect- at least I have never seen one – but we can show progress in the way we support and care for one another. Maybe our marriage could be a picture suitable for framing!