donpurdum
For many people, the holidays are generally a stressful time. Travel, family visits, big dinners, political discussions and debates, present buying, Christmas decor, office parties…
You get the point.
If your marriage already has cracks, the stress of the holidays can make your relationship even more stressful. Small issues can compound and make matters worse.
The rate of divorce searches increases 50% from December to January. That is a shocking number.
You don’t have to fall prey to a statistic.
There are things you can proactively do to protect your marriage during the holiday season.
Let’s dive into a few of them…
First, the Bible reminds us to be sober-minded and not allow our hearts to override our brains. Balance and self-awareness are important during stressful seasons. If you’re feeling irritable, ask yourself why. Is what you’re feeling really that big of a deal in the big scheme of things?
Over the years of working with hundreds upon hundreds of couples, I’ve learned that the majority of things that feel important that lead to stress at the moment are unimportant. Yet, people attach importance to unimportant things and then allow those things to ruin their day, or maybe even their marriage.
And over what?
So, be sober-minded and grounded in the truth of the Gospel.
That leads me to the second point.
Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Focus on these things with your spouse.
Choose to listen first, think about what’s said second, and then talk after you’ve comprehended what was said — All in the fruit of the Spirit.
This is the counter to stress.
I know for many couples communication is a challenge and is part of the root structural problem in the marriage. Miscommunication leads to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, anger, bitterness, and resentment.
That doesn’t have to be you.
Seek understanding before you seek to be heard.
You may not be able to alleviate the stress of the season. Yet, can choose not to stress one another out.
Remember, love and marriage is a commitment.
It’s not an emotion.
Commitment leads to emotions, but emotions should dictate your commitment.
Together, you can overcome anything. Alone, you’re vulnerable to even more stress.
This year, seek the joy of the Lord. He is the one who changes hearts, transforms minds, and makes whole that which is incomplete. Thanksgiving and Christmas are not about “me,” it’s about “us,” “others,” and Jesus.
It’s a season to reflect on Jesus’ grace in the presence of tribulations and challenges. It’s an opportunity to thank Him for adversity for in tribulations which bring about perseverance, and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Romans 5:3-5).
Your marriage should be made stronger through trials and tribulations — But that can only happen if both of you surrender your past, your hurts, and your pains to Christ, and embrace one another despite your shortcomings and flaws.
In Him, your weaknesses are made perfect.
There is hope for your marriage!!!
For a very limited time, I’m opening up my exclusive Miracle Marriage Mentorship – normally reserved for private clients – completely FREE for 14 days.
Inside, you’ll discover:
- Two powerful weekly group sessions with direct access to me
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- Live “Workshop Calls” where I personally address YOUR exact situation
- A supportive brotherhood of Christian men fighting for their marriages
- Emergency access to our private community
Plus, I’ll reveal the hidden spiritual attack that’s targeting Christian marriages (hint: it’s NOT what most marriage counselors think)
This special 14-day trial closes soon.
God is offering you a path forward.
When you claim your free 1-1 call you can get access to the entire mentorship program – completely free – for 14 days.
But I have to warn you, this is for a VERY limited time.
We’re doing this as our “Black Friday” special, and we’re starting it early.
So if you want me to help you FREE for two weeks, this is your absolute best chance.
