A good wife is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds (Proverbs 31:10, The Message).
Friend to Friend
OK, today is a devo for our married Girfriends in God, but you single gals are not off the hook. Words are so powerful. We can use them to build people up or tear people down, to encourage or discourage, to speak life or to speak death. If you are not married, think of a friend or family member looking at your picture and musing about the impact you’ve had on their life. What would run through their mind? Now, you can read this devotion and put someone else in this hubby’s seat.
Today, I want you to use your imagination. I want you to imagine your husband sitting at his desk or at a quiet place at work. Imagine him lost in thought about how blessed he is to have you as his wife. He holds your framed picture in his hand and moisture begins to pool in his eyes. He is captivated.
All the riches in the world are not to be compared with the jewel I have in this woman,he muses. What did I ever do to deserve her? God has given me such a gift. All our married life, she has done nothing but love me, bring out the best in me, and look out for my best interest. All the guys at the office are envious of our relationship. I see the way their eyes soften when she comes by just to tell me hello, grabs my hand when we’re at office functions, or pecks me on the cheek for no apparent reason. I notice that her loving words to me are in stark contrast to some of the cutting remarks of other wives…and so do my friends. I look around at the accomplishments of my life, but having this woman as my wife is my greatest. Oh sure, there are many women out there in the world who are accomplishing great feats, but my wife…well, she surpasses them all.
What a picture! That’s the woman I want to be, don’t you? And amazingly my words can be the determining factor as to whether or not this scenario is possible. Did you know that there are words your husband longs to hear? Did you know that there are words we should never say? Let me give you a few from my book, The Power of a Woman’s Words.
Words Never to Say to Your Husband
I told you so.
You just don’t think.
It’s all your fault.
What’s wrong with you?
I can’t do anything to please you.
All you care about is yourself.
You never listen to me.
I don’t know why I put up with you.
What do you want now?
How many times do I have to tell you?
Words Your Husband Longs to Hear
I’ve been thinking about you all day.
What can I do for you today?
How can I pray for you today?
The best part of my day is when you come home.
You are one of God’s most precious gifts to me.
You are so wonderful.
You look so handsome today.
I don’t feel complete without you.
I will always love you.
I trust your decisions.
Today, be aware of the words you say to your husband. Do they build him up or tear him down? Do they make him glad he came home, or wish he hadn’t?
And for the single GiGs, consider the words that you speak to your co-workers and friends. They have their own lists too.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, please keep watch over the door of my lips today. Help me use my words to speak life to those I come in contact with today. Help me use my words to build up and not tear down. In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Why not pick out 1 or 2 phrases from the list of words your husband longs to hear and try them out today? You might be surprised just how much his eyes light up! When you love your husband well, God says “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”
If you’re not married, pick 1 or 2 phrases, tweak them a bit, and say them to a co-worker or friend.
Let’s hold each other accountable. Pick one of the lines from what your husband longs to hear and tell me which one you are going to say today. And single gals, you pick one too. Tell me which one you’re going to say at www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes.
More from the Girlfriends
Do you want to become the woman of your husband’s dreams? Would you like a little “wow” back in your relationship with the man you married? Then let seven simple secrets from my book, Becoming the Woman of His Dreams: Seven Qualities Every Man Longs For, transform your marriage. With biblical wisdom and responses from hundreds of men I surveyed, you’ll get a glimpse into your husband’s deepest longings. And make 2014 a year of prayer with my latest release, Praying for Your Husband from Head to Toe. You can even join hundreds of women and join me in the 30-Day Prayer Dare.
Seeking God? Click here to find out more about how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (info@girlfriendsingod.com).
Publication date: February 4, 2014