If you think that your marriage is good, or even perfect,
that may be because all of your needs are met by your good and faithful wife.
Have you ever asked her what she thinks about your marriage?
You may be surprised to find out that she is so busy caring
for you, the home and children, that she has no time to fulfill her needs.
She may have longings in her soul that are not realized; so make the time to discover
her needs and help her to accomplish them.
You may criticize her for her irritability, jealousy,
rage, discouragement, etc., and view these negative emotions as separate from
your behavior. They very well may have an outside source; but you could help to
relieve them, even if your behavior and attitude are not causing them.
Do you ignore her when she talks to you, and only listen to
her with half an ear? Do you take all of her needs seriously and ask her how
you can help her? Do you provide her with a stable living environment full of
cherishing, nurturing and acceptance?
She may need an hour to soak in the tub, some help with
the dishes or bathing the children, a night alone to read or watch a movie in
the sanctity of your bedroom, or a special date night. Take charge and give her
that time.
Make sure that you inundate her with continual focused
attention; date nights which you help to plan; and little gifts, notes, cards, emails
and phone calls to let her know that she is not only in your heart, but in your
mind as well.
Never take her for granted. Bless her with words, which
affirm your appreciation of her, but back the words up with actions too.
Celebrate her successes along with her and show her your care and concern when
she is discouraged or ill.
If she works outside of the home too, help her with the
household chores and make sure all of your children have assigned duties, so
that the whole family cooperates to keep your home clean, harmonious and
running smoothly.
Never allow your children to speak to your wife with
disrespect, and model this respect by your behavior. Find a church to attend
with your family, have daily devotions with them all and disciple them in
Biblical truth to help them to withstand the devil's temptations.
Prayer:
Father God, You created the husband to serve as a role
model in his family as he patterns his behavior and attitude after Your
character and nature (Galatians 5:15-25; 2 Peter 1:4). Help him to consider the
needs of his wife and children above his own (Ephesians 5:25). Yet, give him
the boldness to express his needs as well, so his family can uplift him as he
supports them.
Meld the husband and wife in such unity that they provide
a positive and cohesive home for their children. This will give more security
to the children and reduce rebellion in them as well. Remind us that You are
the reason we are alive on this earth, and that serving You as a family is the
greatest privilege, which life affords us.
Thought for the Day:
There is nothing, which happens in a marriage that cannot
be resolved, if both mates will prefer one another, exhibit patience during a
disagreement, join forces during a trial and spend time enjoying one another's
company.
