Marriage does not demand perfection, but it must be given priority. H. Norman
“He is such a slob.”
“Why can’t he think of me for once?”
“If he changes the channel one more time I’m going to scream!”
If you’ve been married for more than a day and a half you’ve probably had some annoying thoughts bounce around your head. It’s common. But, is thinking negatively where your mind camps? Is this the warm dwelling place you’ve invited negativity to hang out every day?
When we allow our mind to replay hurts and every tiny indiscretion, we create a dwelling place of discouragement for our hearts to live in. Being married isn’t easy. I don’t care who you are. Here’s a tip: if you ever meet someone who tells you, “Our marriage is perfect.” Run. They’re lying.
No one leaves the altar for their honeymoon thinking, Yeah, I’ve got this. And if they do, they’re quickly schooled that they don’t. Take it from someone who has been divorced. I know just how fast those little irritations magically become divorce papers. But, here’s some good news I’d like to share with you. I didn’t understand it years ago and it begins with a question: What are you dwelling on?
When you think about your husband, what are the first thoughts that come to mind? Close your eyes and take a moment. I’ll wait….
What is your mind’s dwelling place? Where are your thoughts most comfortable camping out? Have you decorated your head with discouragement and wrong thinking about your husband?
God’s word reminds me how I should be thinking about Paul.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8-9 NIV
The Greek word for think about such things is logizomai. It’s a verb that means to reckon, purpose, to account, to weigh, to practice, and my favorite to dwell.
Tell me. What thoughts are rattling around in that pretty little head of yours? If they’re less than encouraging—be intentional. Each thought about your husband is a seed you plant for future harvest.
