Dr. Dobson's Married Couples Devotional - July 24

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Body and Spirit

“Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” 
Matthew 10:31

In addition to society’s obsession with physical beauty, women face other obstacles to maintaining confidence, including dis‐respect for wives and mothers who have chosen the traditional homemaking role. Furthermore, many wives, especially mothers of small children, feel isolated at home. Their husbands are physically and emotionally “elsewhere,” pursuing careers, hobbies, or both. The result is often devastating, as women tend to derive their sense of self‐worth from the emotional closeness achieved through relationships.

So what’s the solution? We encourage you as the husband to be pres‐ent with your wife in body and spirit. Set aside time for her. Listen to her. Romance her. Show her she’s still your one‐and‐only sweetheart. On the other hand, don’t expect to fill all of her emotional needs. Encourage her to develop meaningful friendships with other women and reach out to others in your community.

“Honor one another above yourselves.” This simple phrase from the Bible (Romans 12:10) is the key to affirming the infinite worth of your spouse.

Just between us . . .

• (husband) When you’re with other people, do you sometimes think, They wouldn’t like me if they really knew who I am?
• (husband) Do you feel that I’m “present with you,” or do I often seem preoccupied?
• (husband) What can I do to build your confidence this week?
• (husband) How can I support you in establishing friendships?

(husband) Dear God, thank You for the great worth You see in my wife. I see it, too, and I want to honor and cherish her more every day. Help me to bless her and make her strong in this way. Amen.

Listen to today's broadcast of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk at OnePlace.com.  For more from Dr. Dobson, visit the resource center at drjamesdobson.org.

This devotional is taken from Night Light for Couples. Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.