As we continue packing for the journey of marriage, it’s time to tuck away four more essentials into our suitcase – qualities that will not only make the trip smoother, but full of joy! You can listen to this post here on Refresh Her podcast.
7. The seventh item we need to pack away is a good disposition – Why do you need this? Because a spirit can drive our husband away. Here’s what Scripture says:
Prov. 19:13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.
Prov. 21:19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
Listen to the gracious words of Rebekah as she spoke to Abraham’s servant in Genesis 24:18 “Drink, my Lord.” She was kind and gentle. re you a pleasant person at home Just as you are at church? Are you answering the phone with a different tone than you just used with him? How good do your words taste to your husband?
Ask yourself:
Am I fun to be with? Rejoice with the wife of your youth (Prov. 5:18).
Do I go along with his ideas? Do I have a positive word that responds to his suggestions?
8. Next, let’s add a love for God, because without it, you cannot show the glory of God. (I Corinthians 10:31) Rebekah had been raised in a godly home. Her family recognized God’s hand. Listen to how they responded to the servant in Genesis 24:50-52 Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the Lord; we can say nothing to you one way or the other.
You can’t love your husband properly without understanding God’s love for you.
It forgives, it suffers long, it stays around even when it’s ugly and hard, because we know that is what Christ did/does for us.
You can know that by these telling questions –
Are you showing your love for God by being in His Word daily?
Are you spending time in prayer daily? Are you praying verses just for your husband? Are you telling him about this?
Are you studying Bible passages about your role as a wife?
Are you reading godly books about marriage to challenge your heart?
A deep love for God will keep your heart tender and loving towards your husband.
9. Generosity – Because we are not ignorant of Satan’s devices. I Cor. 7:5 Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. What kind of generosity should we show him?
With your attention – Put your phone down and look him in the eyes.
With gifts – Listen to what he’s saying about things he needs/wants. Surprise him with little gifts that let him know you not only heard him, but care enough to fulfill that need.
With yourself – Be generous in giving yourself, phyiscally. It’s amazing that when this area of your life is in obedience (I Cor. 7), how the communication we desire opens up. The love we desire is richer. The time we want to spend with him is fought for. Be generous.
10. Comfort – Because without it he might not be able to move on. Prov 12:25 – Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. (Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.)
Gen. 24:67 Isaac brought her into his mother’s tent, and took Rebekah and she became his wife, and he loved her, and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.
At what times does your husband need your comfort?
In discouragements – Dale has often said, “If you’re for me, I can take anything.” No matter how discouraging life becomes, we can give him just the comfort he needs to keep going.
In sorrow – Losses come in all sorts – death, jobs, relationships. Give him an eternal perspective as your comfort him in the heavy cares.
In life’s journey, like Parenting – Be a team – Isaac and Rebekah got into a difficult place later because they had favorites. They let their boys pit one against the other. Guard your heart here!
In your home – Make it a refuge from the world. We all need a place that is a safe place!
Empty nest – Let him know you can’t wait until it’s you two again!
Aging – Ask God to help you love him in every age and every stage.
Rather than focusing on having the best husband, let’s focus on being the best wife by being intentional about packing for this sweet journey of marriage. Tuck away…
- Your beauty
- Purity
- Healthy lifestyle
- Hospitality
- Diligence
- Courtesy
- Good disposition
- Love for God
- Generosity
- Comfort
Watch the Lord help your marriage go the long haul, bringing glory to God and joy to your home.
Which of these items do you need to pray about? Start with one and ask the Lord how. He will show you.
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