I heard the garage door opening. It was only 5 o’clock. Don certainly was home early. Lately he had been working long days, much too long. “I sure hope they appreciate his hard work,” I often thought. “He deserves to come home early one day. I’m so glad he’s finally doing it.” But as I glanced up from the sink full of dishes, one look at his face told me something was wrong. My smile faded and before I could say anything, he painfully murmured, “I got a pink slip today, along with 150 other people.” The company had been hiding its financial problems until now. We were stunned. For a man, especially one in his early fifties with two kids in college, news like this can be devastating.

Supporting Your Spouse Emotionally and Spiritually

What can you do to support your husband as he goes through unemployment — or any difficult time? He needs more than just platitudes like, “Oh, it’ll be all right. You’ll find an even better job soon.” There are five ways you can give him the kind of support he really needs:

1. Make him your priority. He needs you near at this time especially. Be aware of the petty things that cause tension. You’ll soon see how insignificant they are and how important your relationship is. Be alert to ways you can encourage him –a spontaneous hug, special meals, notes on his desk, etc.

2. Remind him that his worth is not determined by his job. It’s so easy, especially for a man, to feel like the whole world is crashing in on him and that he is not needed. Help your husband remember that his worth is not measured by money or the opinion of others. He is worth so much that Jesus Christ died for his sins so he could spend eternity in fellowship with God. He has God on his side. “But let him who boasts, boast about this: that he understands and knows [the Lord]” (Jeremiah 9:24).

3. Encourage him to spend time daily with the Lord. His Bible study and personal prayer will make a difference between a growing despondency and a growing witness as he trusts in the Lord’s provisions. Others are watching. No matter how urgent the job search is we should not neglect our time with the Lord. “But seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

4. Together ask the Lord for guidance, wisdom, and His provisions, not only for a new job, but also for managing finances and related stress. Besides your individual time with the Lord, spend time on your knees together. If you have never prayed together, now is a good time to start. Anything new feels awkward. But you will soon come to treasure these times in prayer. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all” (James 1:5).