Successful Marriage Secrets

#1 Connect with One Another.

Marriage, by design, is to do things together. "God made husbands and wives
interdependent, not independent." Take time for your marriage, and take time
for togetherness. Do projects together. Travel together. Be intimate with
one another. Share meals together. Enjoy entertainment and recreation
together. Share in eternal things together.

#2 Communicate with One Another.

Men are the primary culprit—less than ½ of 1% of men will say, "My wife will
not talk to me." Talk about the insignificant. Talk about the spiritual.
Talk about hopes, goals, and dreams. Don't forget that you also need to
communicate to God together. Some of that time let God talk to you through
the Scripture, while saving time to talk to God through prayer.

#3 Correct the Little Problems.

Every small problem has the potential for great problems. The Bible says,
"Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines
have tender grapes," and "let not the sun go down upon your wrath." Deal
with every problem. "Don't play with problems; don't minimize them; don't
suppose that the passing of time will automatically take care of any
problem."

#4 Confess Your Mistakes and Vow to Do Better.

When's the last time you sought the forgiveness of a spouse, or your
children? The Bible says, "Confess your faults one to another (Jas. 5:16).
Don't hide behind pride. Be an adult and admit when you're wrong. Don't say,
"I love you" if you're not willing to show it with your life.

#5 Competent Help May be Needed from Time-to-Time.

None of us are perfect, and it could be that we need to ask for help, yes
even with our marriage. It can be embarrassing to ask for assistance. Where
do you turn? The key is to look for competent help. Well, who is that? Well
meaning friends? Physicians? Psychologists? Psychiatrists? Preachers?
Counselors? Parents?/In-laws? There's nothing wrong with asking for help on
occasion.

Marriage is tough. Making marriages happy, and keeping them that way is hard
work. With God's help, you can have a wonderful marriage!

I hope you have a marvelous Monday.

*Gleaned from several sources.

For previous devotionals, visit www.NeilRichey.com.