Revive Your Marriage- Revive Your Praise

Is any among you merry? Let him sing songs of praise. James 5:13

And I would add, is any among you sad and downhearted? Then really, sing songs of praise! Praise is so mingled together with gratitude, and I believe that a heart steeped in gratitude is able to withstand the challenges of life in general and marriage in particular, so much better than the ungrateful person!

What? Your husband isn’t perfect? Oh wait…neither is anyone else’s. And sorry, neither are you, nor I! Love changes over time; a marriage undergoes “growing pains” but when you can keep gratitude for your spouse in the forefront of your mind, your marriage will be so much better.

And then get the gratitude out of your mind and onto your lips in the form of praise. This is an effective relationship tool with anyone, and especially with a spouse, who, because of the “no-escape clause” nature of the relationship, is more likely to be taken for granted than anyone else. Be sincere; don’t be patronizing, but find things to appreciate, then say them! Is your husband a dependable provider? Lots of women would love one of those. Does he keep the yard nice? Is he a great dad? Can he open jars, reach high things for you, write an Excel formula, better than you? Does he fix you sandwiches and take you on dates? (I’m being a bit personal here.) Just as the master told the servant in the parable, “you’ve been faithful over a little; ill make you master over lot,” I suspect if you show appreciation and praise for the good things your spouse does, you’ll see more of them.

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