God Love Archives - Better Than Newlyweds

We all have those days where we are running on E! Have you ever seen a cartoon showing a car running out of gas? The car jerks around, sputters, and kicks a tire out!

If only they had stopped to fill up. I am sure their ride would have been much smoother. If you watch the whole cartoon… they broke down in a desert… which I imagine is how we all feel when we let ourselves go too long without a refill of God’s Love, grace, and His presence. We get so busy trying to get things done that we don’t stop for a refill and we end up breaking down!

Another example… imagine a runner… at the end of a long run… parched and very thirsty… but refusing to stop… before they finish their run… they pass out!

I don’t know about you but I don’t want to pass out! I don’t want to miss a thing God has for me! We have access to Living Water! We can talk with Jesus… the well that will never run dry!

^{John 4:14}but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”

This verse tells me 2 things. The first being that in Christ I “shall never thirst”… what glorious news. The second thing it tells me is that in Christ I become “a well of water”. How amazing is that? When we take time to be with Jesus… not only does He fill us up… but He makes us a well for others to draw from and get a taste of Living water!

I know there are days when I look to my husband when I need a refill. As sweet as he is yall… no matter how hard he tries….he can’t do it. And you know what… it is not his job! It is wrong of me to put that expectation on him. He himself needs a refill of God daily.

I think some days when I’m running around on E I will try to tap in to my husband’s “God tank” instead of tapping in to God and all that does is get us both to E faster! A husband and wife both need to be filled with God’s Love in order to show Love to each other.

After all, God is Love.

1 John 4:8 [Full Chapter]

But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

(we do not claim ownership or copyright of cartoon and it’s images)

If your spouse is sad of course you would want to help. But depression is a more serious issue. It needs to handled differently than if someone is just having a bad day. If approached the wrong way it could hurt more than help.

Below is a list of some key signs of depression and then a list of DO’s and DON’Ts to help you help your depressed spouse!

No matter what continue to pray for them and show them God’s Love.

A few key signs of depression are:

Daily sadness
Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
Restless, anxious or irritable behavior
Trouble concentrating, focusing or remembering
Excessive weariness and lethargy
Sleeping or eating too much or too little
Unexplained aches and pains
Thoughts of suicide or death

If you recognize any of these symptoms persisting in a spouse for more than a few weeks, check with your family doctor.

Preparing Yourself to Help Your Depressed Spouse

Flight attendants always tell you to put on your own oxygen mask before helping someone next to you. In the same way, it’s important to prepare yourself before attempting to assist others when a spouse is depressed. Deep sorrow can be infectious, and it’s not uncommon for caregivers to develop symptoms of depression themselves. Guard against this possibility by eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, and staying in the Word.

Also keep an eye on your kids. Children are often vulnerable to a parent’s anxiety. One study indicates that 20% of 10-year-olds whose mothers suffered from depression were themselves victims within five years.

Don’t underestimate the value of caring friends and family at times like this. Let loved ones help you with day-to-day tasks, and allow them to listen to and pray with you. The surest way to intensify your struggle is to isolate yourself and your immediate family from those who love you.

Reaching Out to Help Your Depressed Spouse

When a spouse understands that clinical depression is a genuine medical condition, he or she may actually feel empowered. It’s encouraging to realize there are a number of tangible ways to help your depressed spouse:

Pray fervently with and for them.
Share meaningful Scripture verses.
Help them see that the family needs them to get well.
Listen; give credibility to their feelings.
Seek help for yourself and offer to see a therapist with them.
Encourage them to consider medication; research shows that 80% of those suffering from depressive disorders can be treated successfully with modern medications.
Show affection; encourage them to get out and do things with you.

DON’T

Tell your loved one to just pray about it or make them feel like healing would come if they’d simply trust God more.
Make them feel guilty for the impact of their illness on the family.
Blame or criticize them.
Imply that they need help because they’re weak. Also, don’t immediately exclude other family members from counseling. Sometimes, complex relational issues involving several family members can spark depression.
Expect medication to solve everything. Also, don’t discount the need for prayer — and possibly therapy.
Let them continue in a pattern of sleep and isolation.

via How to Help When Your Spouse Is Depressed – Focus on the Family.