How to Have the "Best Year Yet" with Your Spouse - PLUS Marriage Devotional
Crosswalk PLUS Marriage Devotional
Audio By Carbonatix
By Jennifer Waddle, Crosswalk.com
How to Have the "Best Year Yet" with Your Spouse
By: Jennifer Waddle
"Dear Friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit." (3 John 1:2 NLT)
Are you ready to step into your best year yet? I pray God will bless your marriage in a new way as you look forward to a bright and beautiful future. Here are a few ways to enter the New Year with joyful anticipation.
Start Something New
How long have you and your spouse had the same routine? You wake up, go to work, take care of your family, and do it all over again. Perhaps it's time to change things up and start something new.
Scripturally, there are benefits to looking ahead:
"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun." (Psalm 37:5-6)
"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:18019 ESV)
"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14)
Starting something new doesn't have to cost a lot of money or involve a lot of time. You can build new habits and routines that bring more joy than you ever thought possible. Here are a few to consider:
-Start a new wellness routine by exercising together and eating whole foods.
-Give up alcohol and other addictive substances.
-Start a non-profit for a cause you're both passionate about.
-Open your home to a small group of friends for deep discussion and accountability.
Have your best year yet by thinking outside the box. Change your routine and adjust your habits for improved health and well-being. Build something new and lasting for your family, something that will bless many generations to come.
Be Each Other's Biggest Cheerleader
Negativity in marriage is common, but it's not a given. It's all about the thoughts we think and the words we say. We can either decide to be a critic or a cheerleader, but when we choose the latter, amazing things begin to happen.
-Confidence rises
-Insecurity fades
-Dynamics change
-Intimacy increases
As the familiar passage in Proverbs 31:10-12 says, "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life."
I love the picture this paints of a husband being fully confident in his wife's support. She brings only good things to the table, including words of encouragement and valuable input. Her character is "worth far more than rubies."
There's immense value in being your spouse's biggest cheerleader, and it can significantly impact how you interact with one another. So, why not give it a try and have your best year yet?
Seek First the Kingdom of God
It's easy to chase after things that don't cultivate true joy and peace. Many couples think that if they can find their dream home or land that perfect job, they'll be happy. But as believers in Christ, we know that true joy is found in Him.
In Psalm 16:11, David said, "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." As we know, David had learned the hard way that temporal things can never fulfill what only God can.
To have the best year yet, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matthew 6:33) As a couple, make Jesus THE priority. Study His Word together, pray often, and find ways to encourage deeper faith.
Without trying something new this year, you'll likely experience the same old routine. So, step out in faith by building something new, cheering each other on, and seeking the things of God.
Let's Pray: Gracious God, please create a new thing in my marriage —a new way of relating to my spouse and building something meaningful. Help us step into the New Year with bright hope and expectation. Remove the constant criticism, both in our thoughts and words, and help us be each other's biggest cheerleader. As we seek You first, please give us all good things that lead to our best year yet. In Jesus' name, amen.
Application: Choose which action to take first, and take one step in a new direction.
Challenge: What are specific changes you need to make to have a healthy, happy year with your spouse?
Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth.
We hope you and your spouse are challenged and encouraged by today's devotional! For more of this premium marriage devotional, visit here.
