Genesis 2:18, "And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone: I will make him a help meet for him."

Last week we wrote about the powerful influence we have as women, especially negatively. God created us with enticing charms that can sway the hearts and thinking of our husbands. But He did not give us this power to use negatively, but positively.

God created us to be a helper to our husband. We are to make his life great. He can't do without us. God said that it was not good for man to be alone. He cannot survive without a helper! If we think that we can just look after ourselves, we are missing out on the purpose for which God created us. If we think that we have the freedom to influence our husband to do what we want him to do, we are on the wrong track. If we think that we can say what we like and put our husband down with negative words, we are at cross purposes with God!

Let's get it straight. We were created to help him in the great task that God has given to both of us to be fruitful, multiply, replenish the earth, subdue and take dominion for God in this world. (Genesis 1:28) We have been given a powerful mandate. There is no room for pulling down or leading our husband on a deviant path. To fulfill this world-encompassing Genesis command we cannot be anything else than positive, uplifting, encouraging supporters!

God uses the word "help meet" to describe his purpose for us. The word meet is the Hebrew word neged and means 'part opposite, counterpart, mate, in front of.' In other words, she is opposite to man, but fits him perfectly like a glove.

The word help is the Hebrew word ezer which means 'helper, to come to the aid of'. The amazing thing is that it is the same Hebrew word that is used when it speaks of God being our help! Here are just a few examples:

"God is our help and shield." (Psalm 33:20)

"O God, thou art my help and my deliverer." (Psalm 70:5)

"Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth." (Psalm 124:8)

How wonderful to have God for our help. God is always available to help us when we cry out to Him. Are we the same kind of help to our husband? Are we always available to help him? The psalmist proclaims, "Happy is he that has the God of Jacob for his help ." (Psalm 146:5) If we walk according to God's plan, we will have a happy husband! What about your husband? Does he confess, "Happy am I because my wife is my companion and help."?

Even more amazing is that this word ezer is first used regarding a wife, before it is used regarding God! In "the law of the first mention" the word help is given to a wife! This puts much importance on this issue. We reveal the image of God when we help our husband.

How can we help him?

We help him by being alongside him to help him as he need us.

We help him by speaking sweetly, kindly and positively into his life.

We help him by fulfilling the role that God has given to us rather than competing for his role of provider of the home. We don't help our husband when we seek to take his responsibility of providing. This undermines his manhood.

We help him by caring for the children and making our home a place of joy and sweetness.

We help him by making life easier for him to do his work.

We help him by caring for him physically and nutritionally.

We help him by having an aroma-filled nutritional meal ready for him when he returns to home at the end of the day. This is one task of our great motherhood career on which we cannot slip! It is more important than we realize!

We help him by having the home ready for him when he arrives--toys and mess cleaned up and thrown out of sight!

We help him by being excited to see him when he arrives--even if we have had a lousy day! It is a strong woman who can put aside her self-pitying spirit and by faith put on a smiling face. Greet your husband with joy and talk about the troubles later on--after the evening meal and time with the children.

We help him by being his counter-part--the part that he hasn't got that he needs!

Love from NANCY CAMPBELL

Prayer:

"Father, please help me to fulfill the purpose for which you created me. Help me to use my feminine influence to support my husband in the work you have given him to do. Please help me to understand how to help my husband just as you come to my aid to help me. Amen."

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