Day 1 - Prayer for the Discouraged Wife
5 Prayers for the Discouraged Wife Series
Day 1
Have you ever felt like you and your husband have been dealing with the same issue and that he will never change? When we reach this point, we are typically feeling discouraged. Maybe you hoped it would get better. However, you've experienced disappointment over and over. I understand! I've been there! These prayers are personal to me and my marriage.
I believe that God desires for our husbands to be like him, to love us as Christ loves us, and to cherish us because the Word says it (Eph 5:25, 29). However, we can't make this happen. God will give us the desires of our hearts and is faithful to accomplish His Word (Ps 37:4; Heb 10:23). Yet, it's his choice of how and when he will answer. We can pray according to the Scripture, but God may bring forth the answer by starting with us first.
I know this seems unfair. But remember that God loves you with an everlasting love. He sees you. He understands you. He just has eternity in mind and wants us to be ready for his return. His goal is for all of us to be made in his image (Rom 8:29; 1 Cor 15:49). Sometimes, that means going through difficult situations for the sake of transformation (Ja 1:2-4).
I do not want you to think that it has to be difficult all the time. We can have peace in the storm and contentment in all circumstances (Phil 4:7, 11). When God says he will give us the desires of our hearts, he first says to delight in him. You can enjoy the Lord, which will help you endure until you receive the manifestation of your prayers (I mean that in a biblical way). God delights in you, rejoices over you, and calls you the apple of his eye (Zc 2:8; Zeph 3:17)!
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing
Zephaniah 3:17
Try turning your focus to him and enjoying his presence. You will have joy rather than turmoil (Ps 16:11). Further, the more you look at him, the more you will be like him.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11
He is patient (1 Pe 3:20). He is meek and lowly (Matt 11:29). We can be the same way with our husbands, with God's power. We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us (Phil 4:13). So, let's ask God to help us to be patient with our husbands, as God is patient with us. Let's take a humble position and continue to serve our family as Christ did for us (Phil 2:6-8). Further, let's ask God to give us his view of our husbands. Just as we are fearfully and wonderfully made and God's masterpieces, so are our husbands (Ps 139:13-14).
We may get so focused on our husband's flaws that we lose sight of his qualities. Also, there may be qualities in him that we have yet to discover. God knows it's there. It could be God calling you to bring those things out of him through love, patience, and encouragement.
Let's pray:
Reflection
It may be helpful for you to take some time to sit with God and ask him to reveal the qualities of your husband. Make a list so you can pray according to what God has shown you. God may continue to bring things to your mind throughout your day or the coming week. Write them down when they come to mind; don't overthink it. Just write as they come up.
I pray this helps and blesses you. If so, please let me know in the comments. Remember to like and subscribe :).