"Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day." Psalm 25:5
Waiting:
What are you waiting for? Are you waiting for a test result? Are you waiting for summer and high school to be over? Are you waiting to be married? Are you waiting for God to answer your prayers? It's not easy to be in a "waiting" period of your life. It's challenging to trust for God's timing and God's answer to your prayers. We don't like to be in "storms" or have troubles/trials... We want things now!
What to Do while You Wait:
SELF: Keep your eyes focused on Jesus. Read His Word daily and consistently. It will comfort you and encourage you. Memorize it! Keep praying patiently for His peace and for the answer you seek. Stay connected with the Saviour who loves you so much! Sing praises and hymns. (link here) (Eph. 5:19-20)
GOD: Sometimes we must LET it go! If you can't do anything about the situation, let GOD handle it. Let it go by faith unto the Saviour. He controls the waves and the sea, he can handle the problem. Let it go, my friend. Stop worrying or fretting over it. Just give it to the Lord. Let Him bear that burden.
OTHERS: Stay busy in the work you are doing. Focus on maintaining current normal routine. Focus on a short-term future goal. Do something fun and enjoy your labor. Read a book or take up a hobby."And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you." 1 Thes. 4:11 Be involved in a church ministry. Serve others and love on them. Pray for them and their trials/burdens. Give them small gifts, your time, a listening ear, and a comforting hug. (1 Peter 3:8-9)
Remember these words: "Peace, be still."
"Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands." Proverbs 14:1
Building Up:
My husband and I are going to be celebrating our FIFTH anniversary this year. I have grown alot and have learned a few things along the way.
Here are some thoughts on building up a godly relationship:
#1 Communicate Honestly
When a problem arises, learn to talk things out as soon as you can. Eat, drink, calm down... then spend some time discussing what the problem was. (It doesn't matter if it's big or small... talk it out privately.) Pray first. Speak kindly and honestly. Let the other person know how they can improve. Be honest where you messed up and seek forgiveness. (Eph. 4:26) Make changes accordingly. If they ask you to do something differently, submit and do it. (1 Cor. 16:16)
#2 Pray Specifically for your Spouse
Pray for him while he works. Pray for him to have wisdom, discernment, blessings, and encouragement. Ask him to give you things to pray for specifically. Pray for his personal relationship with Christ. Pray it grows and develops. Pray for him to have his own prayer time and daily Bible reading time. As he grows, so will you. Pray for him to have fun days and for him to enjoy hobbies/adventures. Pray that he'll be a better husband and father and even a better worker. (Gal. 6:2)
#3 Grow in Knowledge
Learn to understand your spouse. Learn to figure out what pleases him. Listen to what he complains about or makes requests on... and try to do what you can to fix that. DO that FIRST! Example: My husband today asked me to focus my attention on the laundry load, so first thing after he left, I did that.... and God kept my girls asleep while I did! When I honor my husband's requests, God blesses my work.
Improve yourself. Pray for God's help in areas that you need to change. Keep trying! :) (1 Peter 3:5-6)
Do you feel like your husband doesn't know your requests? I have two ways that my husband sees what I need done (in the house) and sees what my likes/wishes are. First, we have a white board in kitchen that has the main weekly goals on it. He uses it to figure out how he can help me around the house. :) Second, my husband uses "Evernote" for work and home projects. I created a NOTE that has all my wishes and desires in it. I can update it as I want to... but it gives him liberty to do things when the time is right and/or the funds are available.
If/When your husband does something for you, praise him highly!! Do it extravagantly. It encourages him to do more. :)
Does This Work??
By submitting myself and putting my husband's requests/needs before my own, GOD rewards and blesses my work. I don't worry or stress anymore. I trust my husband to help me and support me. I know God will take care of him and reward his work at the workplace. In our marriage and our home, we are happy and enjoying the fruits of our labor. :D
"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear." 1 Peter 3:1-2
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