5 Things To Be Thankful for When Your Marriage Is a Wreck
By Mary May Larmoyeux, and Janel Breitenstein
Moment of truth: It’s easy to give thanks for your marriage when your spouse tells you how great you look, your kids are bringing home A’s, and you’re getting all handsy in the kitchen.
But what about the days following your third miscarriage? Or a relapse? Or when we can’t stand each other?
How do you thank God in the dark?
Try focusing on thanking Him for the things that are unchanging regardless of our circumstances:
1. Faith: I don’t have to earn my way to heaven. I’ve been made right with You because I trust Jesus’ work on the Cross on my behalf. (Galatians 2:16; John 3:16)
2. Creation: Your artwork is stunning. Thanks for this beauty, and the promise that the best is yet to come. (Revelation 4:11)
3. Love: When I read what real love is like—patient, and kind, not jealous or boastful, not seeking its own, keeping no record of wrongs—I feel inadequate. But this is how You love—and how You’ll love through me. (1 Corinthians 13, 1 John 4:7)
4. Suffering: Jesus and Paul accepted suffering—trusting, knowing they could endure hardships through Your stamina. And You give me the power to do the same; I can know You work it all for Your good purpose. (1 Peter 2:22-24; 1 Timothy 1:8)
5. I’m not in control: This is Your show. I’m so grateful Your Spirit prays for me right in line with Your plan, answers better than I imagine. Thanks for being over all this … and so much more trustworthy and perfect than I am. (Psalm 103:19, Romans 8:26-27)
When your relationship is in a slump, it’s helpful to remember that marriage is an investment. Be willing to stick it out to see the returns.
Check out these six prayers for marriage when it feels like you need a miracle.
The Good Stuff: Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! (Psalm 107:1)
Action Points: What’s one way you individually want to express your gratitude to God today, even in the middle of a circumstance you can’t understand?
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