I married an amazing man, so it’s easy for me to forget he’s not Superman. Just like your husband, mine needs encouragement, especially during difficult times. Have you noticed that when men face pressure and stress, they don’t always verbalize their need? How do you encourage your husband without sounding preachy, fake, or super spiritual?
Here’s my story:
Jose is one determined, diligent guy. He started his second master’s degree at age 45 and finished his PhD at 59. He’s dared to do things many people would shrink back from. At 46, Jose left behind the life he knew to start a new job in a new country and learn a 4th language.
He’s not afraid of challenges. When God called him to start a new church in the Middle Eastern city where we lived, I was scared. When God called him to start a new outreach ministry back in the United States, I wanted to say, “Um, I like my life just the way it is, thank you very much.”
But I’ve learned that when my husband takes on a challenge, God calls me to support and cheer him on. Even in times of struggle.
Sometimes the very challenges he embraces can get a good man down.
Like most men, my husband’s gone through periods of discouragement. Your life may be different from ours, but your husband has probably faced discouraging times too. Tight finances, illness, and problems at work cause stress. Unemployment undermines a man’s confidence.
When a man encounters discouragement, his wife can help him through it.
How to Encourage Your Husband When He’s Down
1. Stay Positive Yourself
It’s hard to see your man suffer, isn’t it? When Jose goes through hard times, I tend to join in and fret. Rather than helping my husband get back up, I end up pulling him down further. When our husbands are downhearted, that’s when they most need us to hold on to God’s promises and keep a smile on our faces.
2. Focus on Christ
A despondent man may be temporarily unable to give much emotional support to meet his wife’s needs. Maybe then we need to place lower expectations on our husbands and higher expectations on Jesus. Our Savior meets our needs for love and encouragement like no one else can.
3. Pray for Him
Our husbands desperately need wives who will faithfully intercede for them. The best way to encourage your husband is to pray for him daily.
4. Speak Positive Words
Let your husband know what you appreciate about him. Without preaching at him, gently remind him that God is on His side and has a solution to his challenges.
5. Know When to Keep Your Mouth Shut
This is where I fail. I give too many suggestions about what my husband could do to get out of a rough patch. My husband appreciates a word of advice–particularly if he asked for it—but when I go overboard, it gets to him. Most men interpret too many suggestions as criticism.
6. Remember the Power of Touch
Don’t you find a pat on the back or an affectionate handclasp reassuring? I’ll bet your husband does too. A simple hug communicates, “I love you. I care about you. I appreciate you.”
When your husband feels down, remember that God has given him a great helper: you!
Hang in there and stay positive. Keep praying. Sooner or later, God will see him through, and who knows? The next time you’re discouraged, God just might use your husband to encourage you.
Now it’s your turn: What do you think is the best way to encourage your husband through hard times?
A closer relationship with God can help us grow as wives like nothing else can. I wrote More of God: A Distracted Woman’s Guide to More Meaningful Quiet Times to help overwhelmed and distracted women recover a fresh sense of God’s presence, learn to hear His voice, and grow their prayer lives. Click on the image below for more info:
Are you facing the challenges of life on an empty tank? Need help renewing your relationship with God?
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Photo Credit: Melika
This is exactly what I needed right now. Your post is God’s perfect timing yet again. Thank you so much!
So Glad!
We are smack in the middle of all you mentioned. Prayer is the best way I know to encourage my husband. One other way is to create joy. Sometimes it’s saying something to make him laugh, buying a cupcake in his favorite flavor or watching one of the sitcoms he loves with him.
Praying for you and your man now, Charla! I love that idea of buying a cupcake. 🙂 And sitcoms are good too. Practical ideas here, my friend!