The Bitter With The Sweet

comfort - The Bitter with the Sweet

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. Proverbs 16:24

As I (Teresa) reflect over the years of our marriage, I am struck with this irony: It’s been at some of the most painful times that I have most strongly sensed God’s abundant care and David’s genuine love.

For example, I remember the weekend I lost my father. We had moved my mother from north Texas down to Austin to live with us for a few weeks so she could recover from some surgery. Things were going well with my mom, but I was also concerned about my father. He had decided to stay home and take care of the house.

I went out one evening and then returned home to the news that Dad had died in his sleep of a heart attack. He had passed away at home—alone. I was heartbroken myself, and it was excruciating to have to break the news to Mom. We grieved and cried long into the night.

I remember how that time was filled with sadness, but I also remember how David was right there, sweetly comforting me in my grief. God used him—as He so often does—to comfort me during a painful time.

I also remember the nights in the hospital after my hysterectomy. When I awoke from surgery, David was beside me, wiping my forehead. Just seeing him was a comfort. He held my hand and told me the doctor said I would be fine. In the midst of the physical pain, David’s sweet words and gentle touch helped bring relief and comfort.

Comfort from a spouse can mean the difference between a crisis that overwhelms us and a crisis in which we sense God’s care and provision.

What opportunities do you see to provide comfort to your spouse?