‘Enjoy life with your wife.’ Ecclesiastes 9:9 NIV
To strengthen your marriage you must realise:
(1) Marriage is one of Satan’s favourite targets. He was angry because Job’s family was a source of delight to God. So when your home is harmonious and blessed, he’ll try to attack it. He wants to be the third party in your relationship; to agitate and disappoint, using your weaknesses. He inspires unrealistic expectations and diverts your focus from servanthood to self-absorption. He fuels your imagination through unhealthy relationships until God’s presence ceases to be the goal of your union and the prevailing atmosphere in your home. Beware of his attack strategy and become protective over your family.
(2) Your mind-set determines your mood. Thoughts have presence. The moment someone walks into a room, you can often sense conflict or contentment, jealousy or joy, etc. Attitudes are contagious; like a thermostat, they determine the climate in your home. A TV show or movie might cause a sexual restlessness within you. Playing a certain game might leave you feeling angry or frustrated. After spending time on Facebook you might feel jealous of others seemingly ‘perfect’ lives and dissatisfied with yours. Every emotion has a birthplace, so be sensitive to any changes in your home environment and inner life.
(3) Understanding comes by listening. Love is about listening more and talking less. Listen long enough for hidden emotions to be expressed. Listen carefully enough to gain understanding. Listen accurately so you can assess your spouse’s true needs. The questions you ask can reveal how much you care, so ask them softly and repeatedly, and pray and process before you respond. That’s how to strengthen your marriage.
SoulFood: Rev 10–14, Mark 14:1–11, Ps 4, Pr 12:25
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright ©