Have you ever been guilty of “stinkin’ thinkin'”? All of us have done it before. We expected the worst and that is usually what we got. If we are not careful “stinkin’ thinkin'” will affect our marriages. Always thinking negatively about your husband or always expecting the worst outcome is a sure way to have an unhappy marriage.
It is so crucial that you guard your heart and renew your mind daily. In marriage it is easy to gt upset and stay upset. After all, our husbands are human so they will make mistakes. We can choose to dwell on those and let bitterness take root in our hearts or we can remember that God’s mercy is new every morning and we should walk in it.
Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;[a]
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
If God’s mercies are new every morning for us, why do we not offer the same for our husbands? Being married… being one with someone… means that everything they do or don’t do… affects us more than if it were just a friend. Our husbands are the ones who we bare our souls to and our bodies… this leaves us more vulnerable and means that the pain from a betrayal or let down will cut deeper and hurt longer. With God’s help we can heal and overcome. With God’s help we can forgive and turn any test of our marriages into a testimony.
My friend, Karen who writes at Redeeming Love, shared with me some scriptures that helped her turn their test into a testimony.
Here are some of my favorite scriptures. I read His word and cried out to God so much while I was standing and praying for my marriage and family ? They lifted me and filled my heart exactly when I needed. I hope they encourage you too.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:23-25 ESV)
And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security. (Job 11:18 ESV)
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. (1 Peter 5:10 ESV)
Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, and a babbling fool will come to ruin. (Proverbs 10:10 ESV)
And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” (Nehemiah 4:14 ESV)