Answers

Q:

My husband lost his job a few months ago and it has been very hard on us. At first, he tried looking for another job, but now he just sits around watching television and getting more and more depressed. What can I do to get him off the couch? I'm tired of constantly nagging him.


A:

I suspect your husband is tired of your constant nagging also! The Bible states it well: “A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day” (Proverbs 27:15). Ask God to help you avoid this in the future, and to show you better ways to help your husband during this difficult time.

One of the things that often happens to people who lose their jobs, I’ve discovered, is that they begin to think they must be worthless and no longer of any value. When that happens, they get depressed and lose hope, and may even feel it’s useless even to look for a job. But it isn’t true! They’ve allowed their emotions to overwhelm them and distort the truth.

That’s why one of the most important things you can do to help your husband is to encourage him and let him know you have confidence in him. His attitude needs changing, and while it probably won’t happen overnight, little by little you can help him overcome these feelings. The Bible tells us to “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Most of all, I pray that you and your husband will turn to God during this time and find new strength in Him. He is more concerned about your situation than you are, and He loves you and wants to help you. Commit this problem–and your whole lives–to Christ, and seek His guidance for the future.