God's Word does not disappoint.
Each day that I sit down to study a new chapter in Proverbs and ask God to speak to me about my marriage, He draws my attention to just the right verses. The growth I have seen in my life and in the relationship I have with my husband has been such a blessing. I pray that He is using these verses to strengthen your marriage as well.
There are no perfect days around here, but there are days where progress is made.
Don't buy into the lie that you will never be able to change. If we belong to Christ, the power of Christ is in us and because He is able, we are able.
"So, dear...sisters, you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do....But if through the power of the Holy Spirit you turn from it and its evil deeds, you will live. For all who are led by the spirit of God are children of God." Romans 8:12-14
The first is, "Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling."
This verse is not a free pass to not deal with problems. It's not a cloak of excuse to drape over myself so I don't have to come out and face my problems.
What it is, is a push to make me deal with my problems with effective communication.
Fools are known for insisting on quarreling and arguing. If we can biblically navigate the communication waters with someone and avoid fighting, Proverbs says it's a mark of honor.
I like to picture a Navy Seal (from what my husband tells me, they're some of the most remarkable men on earth) who strategically defeats his enemy without blowing up his own ship in the process.
In a marriage relationship, that kind of effective communication takes discipline and a well-thought out plan of action. I know I've already mentioned the book Unglued, but Lysa does a great job teaching us how to fine tune our communication skills so we don't stuff or explode when a relationship gets messy. I highly recommend her book!
The second verse I want to take a look at says, "Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne is made secure through love."
In my devotional journal I wrote, "My unfailing love and faithfulness protect my husband; his home is made secure through my love."
I often underestimate how my unfailing love and faithfulness can protect my husband.
It could protect his heart from temptations he faces at work and out in the world. My husband should know that he has a wife at home that thinks the world of him.
It could protect him from despair and depression. My husband should know that I support him.
It could protect him from not living up to his potential. My husband should know that I believe in him.
In reading about marriages where affairs took place, it seems that oftentimes one of the spouses did not feel valued or respected in their marriage. Perhaps a husband was drawn away by a flattering co-worker who thought he could do no wrong. Of course, she'll realize eventually, that's not the case. As wives, we're all too familiar with our husband's faults, but what an even greater way for us to proclaim our unfailing love and faithfulness to our husband by choosing to overlook his faults and protect him instead. (Again, I am not referring to abusive relationships, but rather, those irritating things that our husbands do and choosing to overlook them.)
Today's Challenge Is: Am I securing the borders of my marriage by showing unfailing love and faithfulness to my husband? If not, what one change can I make today to improve the foundation of my marriage?
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2 comments:
Love this post! Me and my hubby have been talking about the foundations of our marriage and if God is in it, nothing is impossible. I recently came across a sermon by Matthew Hagee call foundations of faith. It's a three part series and I've only seen the first part but it was powerful. Worth a look! Thx again!
You are right Deb. Oftentimes, we think we cannot overcome the situation, but that's usually when we are turning in to look for the help and answers we need rather than to God. Thanks for the sermon suggestion. I will look that up. :)
Becky
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