Clara turned in bed, feeling a sudden chilly draught streaming through the ventilation grill. She reached out with her hand to touch Greg, but his spot on the bed was empty and cold – meaning he had been out for some time. She groggily turned her head towards the bedside clock, which gave out a soft green light from the digital display – reading 3:24am! Where could Greg have gone at this hour? she wondered as her head suddenly cleared and she became alert.

Clara stealthily crept out of bed without turning on the light. She could hear faint sniffing sounds emanating from the living room. She cautiously tip-toed towards the living room and her eyes welled up with tears at the sight that met her. Against the dim light of a table lamp, she caught the figure of Greg sprawled out on the floor on his face, his body heaving intermittently as he sobbed in deep anguish. His lips were moving emphatically, but no particular sound came out other than the occasional sniff. He was deep in prayer, crying out to God.

She had never seen Greg like this. He always exuded confidence and was always a symbol of strength, always encouraging her to look at the bright side, when things got tough. At times she would wonder about his source of strength. How could he for instance appear unfazed yesterday after receiving the letter from the bank? It was a Foreclosure letter – the bank gave them only one month to raise the outstanding 5 month mortgage arrears on their house – else the bank would repossess it! His business had not been doing very well of late and family cash-flows had taken a hit. So he had no clear way of raising all that the bank was demanding within one month!

Just like Greg and Clara realized, marriage is a journey that will present ups and downs. It is critical to stay together and support each other during the rough patches, and most importantly commit all to God who is our present help even during difficult times. Here are some scriptures that demonstrate the importance of trusting God always – even when you have run out of options:

Psalms 46:1-2 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,”- NIV

Isa 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” – NIV

Psalms 25:3 “No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame…” – NIV

1 Samuel 30:6 “Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” – NKJV