Yes, this is a lament, a bit of a vent. I’m choosing to believe that all life-changing moments begin here — at least, I’ve read it enough times.

Why write out raw thoughts for the Internet to read? Well, because everything is too polished these days and I actually think it’s stifling creativity and authenticity.

This space allows me to share my raw thoughts without the burden of heavy editing or overthinking. And sharing upfront that it’s unpolished will hopefully manage your expectations.

I have no problem with polished work but as a blogger and writer, with the onset of AI, I don’t think it’s that important anymore.

So, I have ideas. Yet, it almost feels as if my purpose is just out of reach.

I’m 45 years old. I’ve been homeschooling and raising my kids for the past 24 years. I only have one left to graduate. It is such a bittersweet season. My time is open and it feels like I’m just wasting it waiting for something.

I want to launch a business but I’m afraid of so many things—which I know is a tale as old as time for entrepreneurs.

I have a love-hate relationship with social media. I love how it brings people and ideas together. It for sure has its pros. But over-scrolling can bring on anxiety, discontentment, and comparison. I keep wondering if that’s really where I’m supposed to be sharing the message God gave me, but He keeps bringing me back to: Yes. It’s where the people are.

And when I watch long enough, I realize all the advice, on anything, is conflicting. Which only proves there’s no solid formula, and instincts matter more than I think.

So my brain dump for today is about feeling stuck.

I feel like I’m standing in the middle of an array of roads to take, and I don’t know which one to choose. So instead of taking the journey, I’m just not moving.

I worry about stepping into an oversaturated, over-marketed, over-materialized world.

I’m afraid of failing. I’m afraid no one will be interested in my style of the things I want to create. I wonder if they’re even needed.

I’m afraid of people coming after me for having different beliefs than them. People are mean on social media. Like, I truly believe they are their true selves in the comment section because there’s no one to hold them accountable for their words. There are no consequences to them.

I’m afraid of my ambitions becoming an idol. This is probably one of the biggest things that has kept me stuck. I’ve seen too many stories. I don’t want to pretend that I’m somehow above that type of temptation and it’s usually a slow fade. So making certain my relationship with God comes first is my utmost priority.

But something else I’m afraid of (wow…I’m just getting extremely vulnerable here), is being invisible. Of having this gift of a life and wasting it by keeping the talents God has given me to myself because I allowed fear to dictate my life.

I’m definitely getting to a point where the fear of standing still is beginning to outweigh the fear of moving. And I don’t mean being still. That’s a whole other topic.

Don’t worry, not every entry will be a brain dump. Sometimes I just need to get honest about where I’m at so I know how to move forward. And honestly? I’ve been stuck for several years. Writing it out helps bring so much clarity. Maybe that’s something you need, too?

Xoxo,

Christin

The post Fear is Holding Me Back appeared first on Christin Slade.

Why is Finding Joy So Hard?

There’s this tension that sort of lurks when we face some heavy life circumstances, yet joy eludes us. I mean, how can I possibly walk in joy when I feel so weighed down, worried, and just want to withdraw? That tension is real. Even when I don’t want to feel the heaviness, and I’d rather walk in joy, it seems impossible.

But maybe we forget, don’t fully know, how much God has given us to help us walk through this life, especially in hard times. Because the hard times, they don’t stop. Does that mean we should live our entire lives worried, hurt, angry, and sad? Because when we only focus on the hard, that’s exactly what happens.

Joy isn’t drummed up by trying to force yourself to be happy when things are hard. God has given us so much life and love to focus on; joy is a natural response to it. He offers us hope, help, and the Holy Spirit.

If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. -John 15:10-11

It’s difficult to find joy when our focus is on everything except God. When we step outside His covering, we become exposed. The world and its worries overtake us, and we are unable to see past the constant hardships and heartaches because we’re no longer abiding in the Lord.

Abiding in God means to remain in Him—His words, His ways, His will. That’s where lasting joy in Him lives. Joy isn’t tied to good outcomes, an easy life, or emotional relief. It’s tetherd to God Himself. This doesn’t mean joy and sorrow can’t co-exist.

Joy is Found in Jesus

I think many people do not believe God when He says something. Think about it. If we truly believed Him when he says there’s fullness of joy in His presence, why do we leave His? Or, why don’t we enter in? It’s a genuine, honest question, not a condemnation.

God gives us Himself so we can live the most abundant, fulfilling life, but for some reason, we choose our own way and our own selves and then don’t understand why we’re lacking joy.

Enter into His presence. Become obedient to His Word because you believe in its power.

Is belief the starting point? Can we step into something if we don’t even believe it?

I think yes, and we should try. Maybe we have a little faith but need a little help. Stepping out into something we can’t fully see or understand is evidence of our faith in action. And this? This is where God meets us.

If we don’t believe, then we need to pray for God to help our unbelief. We need to see ourselves as recipients of what God has already given us: joy in Him. Rejoicing in Him is an act of trust and not a denial of pain.

God doesn’t desire that we walk through life sad, worried, depressed, or anxious. He wants us to walk in the abundant life He’s given us. But we need to trust Him with the details.

When Joy Feels Lost

Here’s where we can often get confused. When life gets heavy, and we’ve lost that joy, it’s time to do a little heart evaluation.

Jesus says that joy is found in Him. If we are struggling to have joy, the only explanation is that we aren’t looking for it in Him. Knowing joy comes from Him isn’t enough to cultivate it in our lives.

It’s a practice of constantly resting in Him, trusting in Him, and walking with Him. A quiet time with the Lord is important, but carrying His words, His presence, and obedience with you throughout the day matters, too.

When we stay anchored in Him, joy flows from Him. It’s not something you generate; it’s something you rest in.

Focus on His goodness, grace, and love for you. Your circumstances don’t define His love.

The Power of Gratitude

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds. -James 1:2

How can you embody this truth in your everyday life, even when we’re walking through troubles?

A great place to start is actually gratitude.

Ann Voskamp says in her One Thousand Gifts Devotional,

“While I may not always feel joy, God asks me to give thanks in all things because He knows that the feeling of joy begins in the action of thanksgiving.

“Joy doesn’t negate all other emotions—joy transcends all other emotions.”

We’re the ones who rob ourselves of joy because we demand our own will. So how can we walk through the day with joy?

There’s this trend going around about protecting your peace, and it’s often done by cutting people out of your life. But this doesn’t protect your peace; it only isolates you.

In the same way, we cannot protect our joy by avoiding hard things. We protect it by letting go and walking in obedience to God. The fight for joy is always hard because it requires us to surrender and allow His will to be done. The fight against this is what steals our joy.

Joy is expressed through gratitude, worship, stillness, spoken trust, and working our daily tasks as an offering to the Lord.

Are you open to what He’s giving you in the moment, even when it’s hard? Will you give thanks in the mundane, when it seems the minutiae of life doesn’t make a difference?

Let’s Pray

Father God, thank you for the gift of joy you’ve given. Help me to do your will, not my own, because that is where true joy is found. Remind me that you are in my every moment, good and bad, and when I seek your face within every circumstance, joy can be found. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

For Further Study

A Joy That Endures – How Jesus Is the Source of Unshakeable Joy (Bible Study)

One Thousand Gifts – Ann Voskamp (Book)

This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure here.

The post Find Lasting Joy in God When Life Feels Heavy appeared first on Christin Slade.

You see a lovely day in someone’s life, but they left out the part where they fought with their spouse. You see the lovely images of someone’s homestead but behind them is a pile of clutter they didn’t include. This isn’t to say these people are bad for not showing their mess online. No. They don’t need to show anything they don’t want to–and that’s the whole point. You don’t see the whole of someone’s life through their Instagram so you don’t know that they have it better than you.

The noise of it all just overwhelms me, and I’ve longed for a deeper connection with my own heart and my own space and my own relationship with God, rather than scrolling and seeing bits and pieces from everyone else.

Tish shares such an amazing picture of the beauty of ordinary life when we take the time to look inside what we have and see the possibilities right there.

Her book, Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life, paints a lovely landscape of the sacredness of home.

From waking up in the morning, to fighting with her husband (whom she adores), to sitting in traffic, Tish draws out the practice of seeing God in all of it.

You see, it’s not about the greatness of our lives in the eyes of other people; it’s about the love with which we live our lives that makes it sacred, an offering to Christ. Which, in turn, makes it meaningful in ways social media could never define.

What we need to understand about our one [extra]ordinary life, Tish draws out:

“Before we begin the liturgies of our day—the cooking, sitting in traffic, emailing, accomplishing, working, resting—we begin beloved. My works and worship don’t earn a thing. Instead, they flow from God’s love, gift, and work on my behalf.”

She so wisely shares that our own transformation is done in our real life, where we actually are.

“We are shaped every day, whether we know it or not, by practices—rituals and liturgies that make us who we are.”

These habits can be intentional or not, but they shape us just the same.

This idea of daily liturgy has intrigued me. I have found myself overwhelmed by choice and fatigued by constant decision-making. The overabundance of possibilities and expectations of people fills up my time and capacity, so that God somehow gets snuffed right out. The day has passed, and I recount it, wondering how I missed spending time with Him and see Him in the sameness of yet another day. What am I allowing to push Him out?

Distraction. Weak boundaries. Impulsiveness.

Too much freedom can actually lead to bondage. Imagine that.

Zero discipline with the smartphone makes you its slave. When it creeps into my sacred time with God, it’s robbing me — and I’m allowing it.

Liturgy isn’t about being prisoner to traditions or schedules. Instead, it’s about recognizing the power of holy practice and sacred routine, not to check something off a list, but to remain focused on what matters most.

It always comes down to the posture of the heart. If you practice liturgy because you believe it will secure your salvation, you miss the point. You practice liturgy because you want a greater awareness of His presence and fewer distractions, so you can have more of God and less noise from the world.

What is liturgy exactly? Well, the word has evolved a bit, but the idea remains. In its more traditional setting, it is the structured worship and prescribed set of rites, ceremonies, and prayers used for public worship.

People have since taken some liberties with it and believe that it can be applied to the repeated practice of our daily lives when done as an offering or in conjunction with the Lord. I have to agree. Worship isn’t limited to a weekly visit to church. It should encompass all of life. The sacredness of practicing a liturgical life is born from a desire to carry Him in everyday life. Because, as Annie Dillard so simply and profoundly stated, how we live our days is how we live our lives.

This practice won’t be for everyone—that is the beauty of freedom. But, if you struggle to stay focused, if you don’t have enough time, if you can’t see God in your everyday life, learning the practice of liturgy, of holy ritual, can be amazingly beneficial to practicing the presence of God.

“I would urge everyone to be aware of God’s constant presence, if for no other reason than because His presence is a delight to our souls and spirits.” -Brother Lawrence

If you feel stuck inside your habit of daily life, the words penned in this book will help you see God in places you may not have even thought to look.

Folding laundry and making dinner day after day sure can feel mundane and unspiritual. But Tish reminds us,

“We recall and reenact Christ’s life poured out for us, and we are transformed into people who pour out our lives for others.”

I’ve come to learn more about and appreciate the beauty of living out liturgy in everyday life. It’s permission to create these sacred boundaries and recognize the built-in rituals that make our lives a lovely aroma to the Lord when our hearts are set on Him and for Him.

When you open your eyes in the morning, rather than thinking of the drudgery of an empty mile-long to-do list, you can see endless opportunities for offering your life to the Lord and the people you love, one sacred task at a time. And the gift is, you can practice this every day, and choose whether to do it with gratitude for your one, beautiful life or grumble about what you think you’re missing out on.

Seeking Him,

Christin

The post Why Sacred Practices Will Change How You See Your Daily Life Forever appeared first on Christin Slade.

Every now and then, I enjoy listening to old music.

Recently, I was listening to some old Christian albums from the late 90s, early 2000s, and it reminded me of how strong my faith was then.

No, I hadn’t been through much life experience at that point, but even singing the music today, after more than 25 years of living an adult life, it reminded me of His strength that’s still within me.

The post Remember Then, His Goodness appeared first on Christin Slade.

He’s subtle, and he’s sneaky. He attacks our weaknesses. He uses our minds against us. Sometimes we self-sabotage but he’s often there to take it to the next level.

Have you ever noticed that when you set out to do something, there’s often something standing in the way? These are times we need to use discernment to know if it’s God or the Enemy trying to block what God wants to do.

You set out to read your Bible and distractions are innumerable. You decide to cut down on sugar, and the treats are everywhere–it’s easy to determine that it’s impossible and give up.

Satan does not want any good thing for us. He does not want us to rely on or trust God. If he can plant seeds of doubt in our minds and we entertain them, that’s all the weapon he needs.

It’s so important we replace those lies with Truth. It’s important we know God’s Word so we can combat these lies. Maybe cutting out sugar feels impossible, but God is the God of the impossible. He will help you when you keep your eyes focused on Him, and not what the world is telling you.

Let’s not give up at the first sign of challenge. Push through and watch God work.

I’d say one of the largest obstacles when it comes to stepping outside of what the world is doing and into what God is doing in you, is scrolling social media and allowing it to talk you out of it.

Don’t second-guess what God is calling you to. Don’t get distracted by what other people are doing and believe you should be doing it, too.

This only scatters seed (God’s Word) on thorns because the desires for other things and worries of this age choke it out. (Mark 4:18-19)

Savoring Him,

Christin

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The gospel begins with a love story so great that people call it radical. It’s often seen as offensive because it’s so pure, humanity struggles to wrap its mind around it. His love for us is unmatched.

He created us with the need for a love that can only come from Him. He also created us with the capacity to love Him and love others, simply because He loved us first. His love pursues and invites us. Even when we don’t receive it, it’s still there. He’s still there.

Look At the Love of God for You

God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. -1 John 4:16

God is the very definition of [agape] love. The way He loves us is so deep and so complete that when we believe and receive His love, there is a freedom and joy that follows.

It’s not dependent on how we act nor how we feel. His love just always is. It’s for you and forever. A huge part of living the Christian faith is believing and walking in this love—and many of us don’t. We don’t think we’re worthy of love, so we don’t believe it’s for us.

Or we believe God’s love is rooted in getting what we want or think we need. When that doesn’t happen, we believe God must not love us. His love is so much deeper and lasting than our own desires and feelings. To truly accept and receive His love, we must ensure our definition is aligned with His. God’s love is His commitment to our good. He doesn’t just choose to love. He is love.

Receive and Trust His Love for You

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights who does not change like shifting shadows. -James 1:17

God doesn’t just ask us to be devoted to Him; He is completely devoted to us. His love is poured out through His faithfulness, mercy, and steadfastness.

He never abandons us, even when we’re struggling. He never condemns us, and we are always secure in his hands.

This isn’t just who God is. It’s who God is toward you.

So how do we receive and trust His love? The answer may surprise you.

God’s love is best seen in practicing gratitude. Pause, look around, and notice all the gifts you’ve been given. I don’t mean merely material items, but from the tiniest to the grandest ways God personally shows you He loves you.

I feel His love when I drink a cup of coffee each morning. What an amazing gift He created for those of us who enjoy it! I see His love in the lilac trees outside my office window because He knows how much I love them. I experience His love through the sacrificial love of my husband, who could only show that kind of love because of the love of the Father.

When I take the time to recognize these acts of love and thank God for them and truly accept them from Him, all because He loves me, that’s how I receive His love.

Gratitude literally ushers you into love-awareness. Gratitude is one of the simplest ways we receive God’s love because it opens our eyes to see His kindness woven into our everyday lives.

Become Rooted in His Love for You

I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love.” -Ephesians 3:17-18

When we begin to see and experience God’s love for us, it takes root in our hearts and grows good things to share with others.

When we remain in the Father’s love by staying aware of how He loves us, we root ourselves in what is true rather than what is loud.

God’s love is defined by His truth, His voice, and His kindness. It’s not led by our feelings or disappointments, nor by our failures or deepest regrets. His love remains. This is a fact that does not change whether you feel it, believe it, or not. God’s love is always there for you.

It’s understanding that His love is rooted in His best for you and not in the validation of your lifestyle or chosen identity—whatever that may be. His love runs deeper and seeks your good, not necessarily your preferences.

Roots grow by remembering what He’s done for you. They also grow in rhythm and repetition through: daily Scripture reading, consistent prayer, moments of worship, and a life turned toward Him. It’s not always about intensity but about consistency.

Live Devoted in His Love for You

If you love me, you will keep my commands. -John 14:15

Once we have a better understanding of what it means to receive God’s love, we can learn how to respond.

One of the first ways is to remain close to God. It can be so easy to lose sight of Him in the hustle of everyday life. Try to get some minutes alone with Him everyday. The stillness helps His voice break through. Then, when we begin to train our hearts to see Him everywhere, it’s much easier to notice He’s near. Love Him back with your attention.

Trust Him with the hard stuff. Trust Him in the uncertainty and in what seems impossible. Surrender your plans. Give Him your fear. Believe His love for you, even while you cannot see His hand at work.

Love others through forgiveness, encouragement, serving, giving, and kindness. When you love God’s people in these ways, you’re loving God Himself.

Savor This

Sweet friend, you are loved by the Father in ways you have not imagined. He isn’t just the God who so loved the world. He is the God who so loves you.

Seek Him Deeper

Read: Ephesians 3:14–21

Study: Delight–a walk through the Psalms
This study draws out God’s love through His kindness, faithfulness, sacrifice, and presence that reveal His love over and over again.

The post How the Love of God Empowers You to Love Him Back appeared first on Christin Slade.

Do you ever feel like your life is busy, yet you’re not really moving forward? As 2026 approaches, setting intentional goals, and clarifying the steps needed to reach them gives you control over your life and a clear picture of where you’re headed. Preparing now will make the year ahead powerful, purposeful, and aligned with what truly matters.

You may not have control over every circumstance or every season in life, but you can choose how you move through them. You can even start taking steps now to create the life you want for the coming year. It is possible!

What Ignites Your Passion?

Think about what truly excites you. What makes you feel alive? When was the last time you acted intentionally on what matters to you? Not in a selfish way, but in a way that fills your soul, energizes your life, and brings you genuine joy.

Do you love being outdoors, spending time with family, reading, painting, writing, creating digital art, making your home a haven, or serving your loved ones? Identifying these passions uncovers your unique desires, and these desires can fuel every area of your life in 2026 and beyond.

Clarify Your “Why”

God created you with passions for a purpose. To glorify Him through your passions, you need to understand your “why.”

For example, if your goal is to get your home in order next year, what is driving you? Is it the chaos that feels overwhelming? The desire to create a peaceful atmosphere? The need for a functional space?

All of these feed into a bigger goal: you want a life-giving home that is tidy, comfortable, and welcoming; not just for guests, but for your family. A home that is a haven, a safe space. This “why” will keep you grounded when you feel discouraged or exhausted.

When I first started using PowerSheets, I realized that clarifying my “why” wasn’t just about productivity. It was about heart stewardship. These pages guide you through reflection and prayer, helping you uncover what God is stirring in your heart and translate it into actionable goals for the coming year.

Break Free from Comparison

Comparison is the thief of joy and of progress. When you measure yourself against others and feel defeated, you rob yourself of your own potential.

God has written a unique story for each of us. Just because your path looks different from someone else’s doesn’t make it less valuable or necessary.

It’s fine to let others inspire or motivate you, but never allow comparison to discourage you. Each of us has a vital role to play, in our own way.

Master Your Motivation

Motivation is a firestarter. It keeps you moving forward. Michael Hyatt says:

“Mastering your motivation is key for developing the necessary persistence to make it through the messy middle.”

One of the best motivators is keeping your desired outcome and your “why” in mind. Subscribing to daily or weekly encouragements can also help keep your fire lit when energy wanes.

Using tools like PowerSheets helps me stay grounded in my “why” every day, so I’m not just moving, but moving with intention. Instead of setting goals based on what I think I should do, I now plan according to what God is growing in me while preparing for a year that will be purposeful, fulfilling, and aligned with His calling.

Commit to Daily Discipline

Big goals are achieved through small, consistent steps. These come in the form of daily habits or disciplines.

For instance, if your goal is to run a half-marathon, you wouldn’t just show up on race day. Proper preparation is essential, and without it, you could burn out or even injure yourself. Instead, you set smaller training goals that gradually lead you to the finish line.

The same principle applies to any goal. Mapping out what you love, what you want to achieve, and the direction you want to head allows you to plan meaningful, achievable steps. PowerSheets are invaluable here because they give your goals roots, guiding your daily steps in a way that aligns with your heart, your calling, and God’s purpose for 2026.

Revisit your goals every quarter. Assess your progress, adjust your steps if needed, and continue moving intentionally toward the life you want to live. Each year builds on the last, helping you grow through the seasons instead of starting over in January. Preparing now sets the tone for a truly powerful and purposeful year.

An Invitation

If you’re longing for more intention in your life, not just more plans, I can’t recommend PowerSheets enough. They’ve become my trusted companion each year, guiding me back to what matters most every time I lose focus.

Think of them as a quiet conversation with God before the busyness begins, a compass that keeps your soul steady even when life gets messy. You can explore the new collection here. I’m using the Navy Blooms cover this year, and I can’t wait to walk through it with you. If you don’t want to miss it, make sure you’re subscribed!

Savoring Him,

Christin

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Last month, my husband and I celebrated 25 years of marriage. It’s a milestone very special to us and also unique in today’s age. Many of our friends didn’t make it to 10 years.

My husband and I went through a very difficult, bordering on destructive, season in our marriage where we weren’t sure we were going to make it. By the grace of God and with focused work on both sides, we not only survived but are thriving.

Marriages are struggling because people don’t know who they are in Christ. There is often healing that needs to happen in one or both spouses.

A healthy, biblical marriage isn’t built by accident; it’s built with purpose and rooted in Christ. There are many things out of your control, but there is a powerful way to nurture a strong, Christ-centered marriage through prayer and purposeful steps of faithfulness.

Prayer is a powerful beginning, but follow-through is still crucial. A changed heart will precede changed actions.

Here are 12 areas you can pray over and pursue in your marriage:

1. Growth in Christ

A healthy, biblical marriage doesn’t happen by chance. It’s shaped slowly with purpose, with prayer, and with hearts willing to grow. There will always be things beyond your control, but one of the most powerful ways to strengthen your marriage is to invite God into it through prayer and small, faith-filled steps each day.

Pray God will strengthen your faith and practice gratitude every day for the good and the hard. Our character is most refined through the hard. Will we allow life’s struggles to make us broken or brave?

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. -Colossians 2:6-7

2. Unity & Oneness

Pray that as you both seek the Lord, you come into unity with one another. When you both have the mind of Christ, your marriage will thrive in harmony.

What does it truly mean to be in unity and oneness? It doesn’t mean you’ll always agree on everything. But it does mean you can let go of things that don’t truly matter to embrace the bigger picture.

Oneness comes down to thinking of yourself less and of your husband more. That doesn’t mean to think less of yourself, but to consider the needs of your husband above your own. (And he would consider your needs above his own).

With this in mind, though, it’s not about pushing our husbands into thinking about our needs. It’s the job of the Holy Spirit to woo his heart. When we are wholly surrendered to Christ, our deepest needs will be met by Him. Pray that you and your husband will see the needs of the other and have the desire to meet them simply because you love each other and want the best for each other.

Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. -Philippians 2:2

3. Love & Affection

Ask God to teach you to love well and be prepared for it to be a lifelong journey — because it is. It’s something you need to truly practice every day. The love passage in 1 Corinthians is a deep treasure trove of ways to practically love your husband every day. Some may come easier for you than others.

Pray that God would stir up more love in more ways, in hard ways; in ways the world would consider crazy. Where someone else would say, “I could never do that”. Because as we live for Christ, He lives through us and empowers us to do the impossible.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. -1 Corinthians 13:4–7

4. Faithfulness & Purity

The number of extramarital affairs inside the Church is staggering and shocking. It’s vital we guard our hearts from sexual immorality.

It means avoiding those romance novels that fill the heart and mind with lustful thoughts and desires. They have no place in a Christian home. God created marriage, not only to give us the gift of sharing our life with someone truly special to us, but also to illustrate the relationship between God and His Bride: Us. The Church.

Pray for your heart to remain steadfast and faithful to the vows you made to your husband. Pray your heart and mind would think on good and lovely things. Pray this also for your husband.

Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. -Hebrews 13:4

5. Communication & Understanding

Perceived wrongs are one of the most common causes of conflict, offense, and unnecessary hurt. It stems from preconceived motives, lack of clarity, and understanding.  Instead of jumping to the worst conclusion, ask for clarification.

Pray that God would help you be more apt to listen than to speak. Listening is a skill we sometimes need to learn and practice.

If your spouse is condescending, rude, and belittling, sit down when you’re both calm and have a conversation about how this form of communication makes you feel.

On the other hand, if your husband feels some of your communication is hurtful or demeaning, listen to him and pray that God would work in your heart to speak more honorably and lovingly.

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. -James 1:19

6. Forgiveness & Grace

It’s no surprise we often desire or maybe expect people to extend us grace and forgiveness when we make a mistake.

Are you doing the same for your husband? The Bible says love covers a multitude of sins and that we ought to love one another deeply. (1 Peter 4:8)

Jesus demonstrated this very thing when He died for us on the cross. I don’t say this to bring guilt, just a reminder that Jesus wouldn’t ask us to do anything He hasn’t done Himself. If we want to become more like Jesus, if we truly want to love Him through our actions, this is the way— loving through the hardest of the hard.

Pray God gives you the courage and strength to forgive and walk in grace. It’s hard when we’re on the receiving end of the hurt because it seems like forgiveness releases someone of consequences, but it doesn’t; it releases you from being prisoner to them and the pain.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. -Ephesians 4:32

7. Peace & Protection

Pray for peace for your husband and protection over your marriage. Make no mistake, anything and everything will be working to divide you. You need to be ready for battle. You need to be prepared to recognize it’s not your husband who is the enemy, it’s the principalities of this world, our own self-serving desires, and Satan who seeks to destroy anything good.

Does that mean your husband has no responsibility for his actions? Certainly not. It just means there’s more at work here than what meets the eye. Most likely, your husband is operating out of shame and doesn’t know who He is in Christ: a beloved son. The impact of identity is one we often underestimate.

Be prepared to protect what you have and fight for what you don’t have. Pray for both your hearts to be guarded by the Holy Spirit.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:7

8. Friendship & Companionship

Friendship with your husband is a whole new level of fun! Doing life together isn’t only about all the responsibilities and challenges you face every day: the bills, the kids, the lack of time to fit it all in.

Friendship and companionship turn the mundane and stressful aspects of life into an opportunity for teamwork and being thoughtful about spending fun times together. You rely on each other to get through the hard and recognize you’re on the same team. Learn to enjoy being together.

Pray that God provides opportunities for you and your husband to become real friends and truly enjoy one another.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. -Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

9. Strength in Trials

When trials come, and they will, establishing that friendship will be important.

Pray that God gives you both wisdom as you navigate trials. Remember you’re in this together. Lean on each other for encouragement.

There is hope through every single trial. Pray for the joy and patience needed to endure through each trial together. Invite God into your struggles and allow Him to give you both peace. Trust Him through every step. He is trustworthy.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. -Romans 12:12

10. Intimacy & Romance

Intimacy comes as an overflow of everything else. If there is no connection, no teamwork, no companionship, no communication or forgiveness, intimacy and romance will be a huge challenge or non-existent. Sex without intimacy is just sex.

While we have a duty to each other in some respect, it cannot be forced by the other person. It is something that we each must personally choose and take responsibility for. Romance and intimacy typically suffer when other areas of the marriage are already strained. Everything here is tied together.

Pray that God give you the wisdom and desire you need for intimacy. Intimacy isn’t intimacy if it’s one-sided. You both matter.

The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. -1 Corinthians 7:3–4

11. Family & Legacy

Building a family and leaving a legacy begins with purpose and heart. Although everything may not turn out the way you expect, God is faithful. When you are faithful to show up, He blesses.

Decide together how you want your family to be rooted and bear fruit. What do you want to leave your children with as they grow and move on? Even if they are already grown, you still have the opportunity to leave a legacy between the two of you.

What are you unwilling to compromise? What are you willing to fight for?

Pray that God would give you direction and wisdom—not just once but regularly. Pray that you would both hold fast to the values God holds and you would always seek relationship with Him first so it spills out into every other relationship.

But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. -Joshua 24:15

12. Mission & Purpose Together

Once the kids are grown and independent, the two of you will be what’s left together. You will be doing life together for a long time if you choose to work hard at it. Marriage is a lifelong commitment to someone and something bigger than yourself. It’s a mirror of your relationship with God. If your relationship with God is nonexistent, your marriage will suffer.

Your first mission is to the gospel. Your marriage tells a story to everyone around you. You get to choose what that story is but know this: marriage isn’t only about you and your husband. It’s also about every person in your circle, starting with your children. It’s about everyone watching. It’s a true visual of your relationship with God. Are we fighting for it?

Sometimes God asks us to love with a kind of selflessness in marriage that doesn’t come naturally.

Pray that He gives you the strength to do and endure the impossible while He’s still working. Pray that His light shines through your marriage. Your marriage could be the very gospel someone else encounters.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. -Matthew 5:14–16

Final Note

If there is no hope to save the marriage because of destructive cycles and an unrepentant spouse, that doesn’t mean your story ends and you don’t matter. Does God hate divorce? Yes. Because it tears people, families, and communities apart. It breaks a covenant He takes very seriously.

BUT…

He hates pride, slander, and hearts that devise evil. He finds violence (words included), manipulation, and oppression deeply detestable. If you are living in such a way that your husband feels more like your enemy than your companion, that’s not a godly marriage.

Pride is a sin we underestimate. It’s not only someone thinking too big of themselves; it’s someone being unrepentant because they won’t admit they’ve sinned against you and hurt you.

This will be deeply personal for each relationship, and I encourage you to seek godly counsel if you find yourself in this place.

A marriage without prayer and grace-driven effort is like a garden without water. A good, healthy, godly marriage is built on hard and consistent work, built on the foundation of Christ. When we are solely led by our own interests, trying to make life work together will be a huge challenge.

Serving our husbands sometimes means setting aside our own desires. It takes consistency and dedication, and in today’s world, it can feel countercultural. Yet surrendering our hearts to the Lord in this way brings His purposes to life in our marriages.

I’ve created a free printable and condensed version of this guide you can tuck in your Bible or prayer journal to remind you to pray each day for your marriage. Click here to get yours. 

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Savoring Him,

Christin

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