Marriage is a team effort, but sometimes a team fails to function as a unit. You can’t make your other team member—your husband—do anything. So do what you can to help and honor him. Whether it’s his refusal to take his health seriously or a misuse of time or money, or a hundred other things, do your part.
Stop worrying about your husband’s faults. Instead, start focusing on what’s right about him—and express it to him! Work at changing your perspective. Recall those things that first attracted you to your husband. Consciously notice what he does that’s right, that’s helpful, that’s commendable. And, of course, compliment him and share what you’ve noticed.
Step up your prayers for your husband. It’s hard to criticize someone you are praying for. So pray like crazy! You can’t pray too much, but you can certainly pray too little. Embrace prayer for your husband as a lifelong commitment.
Talk to your husband. Instead of worrying about an area in your husband’s life, ask God to show you areas where you may be contributing to the problem. Check your actions. Check your timing. Check your words. Above all, check your heart. Then talk with your husband and ask him how you can help or how you can change.
Major on wisdom, not worrying. Wise decisions, wise actions, and wise words—all guided by God in answer to your prayers—are what will help you help your marriage.
In A Couple After God’s Own Heart, discover how you can enrich your marriage by looking at the lives of key couples in the Bible.
