You have delivered . . . my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. Psalm 116:8

I had just dropped David off at work, and my kids were in the front seat. I had entered the intersection to make a left turn onto our street. Out of the corner of my eye I saw another car enter the intersection on my right. The man driving the car didn't see us. We could only watch as he ran his car into mine.

Almost in tears, I got out to look at the damage. The man in the car admitted his carelessness and apologized for running into us, but all I could see was the bashed-in car door. And even though the accident wasn't my fault and even though no one was hurt, I felt as if I had let everyone down.

With the police on their way to the scene, I called David. He was there quickly and came running to give me a reassuring hug. He knew I was feeling bad about what had happened, and he offered me encouragement. He reminded me that the accident wasn't my fault and that the kids and I were more important than any damage to our car. Before it was all over, David's sympathetic reaction made me almost glad the accident had happened.

While I deeply appreciated my husband playing the role of "deliverer" that day, God is our ultimate deliverer, and sometimes His deliverance comes during times of loss, uncertainty, and pain. It's at these times that He brings us comfort, dries our tears, provides reassuring security, and "keeps our feet from falling."

The marriage relationship gives us the privilege of joining God in providing our spouses comfort and reassurance when they need it. It is our calling—our privilege—to give our spouse sympathy in times of pain or stress.

How specifically will you give sympathy when your spouse is faced with pain, stress, or disappointment?

God, help my spouse and me to understand each others feelings.