The best-case scenario is that you and your spouse revisit this conversation and then make a game plan to move forward together. If this is the case, know that we weren’t meant to do this life alone. Ask for help and accountability. After all, as Christians, we’re told to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
Ideally, this would be opening up to another married couple you trust that seems to have a healthy marriage. Perhaps you know this couple well or find them by reaching out to your pastor and asking for a mentor couple.
Another element for change would be to ask if biblical counselors are in your area. This is a wonderful way to process your marriage struggles through the lens of the gospel. You can find a biblical counselor through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors by entering your area code here.
If your spouse isn’t receptive to getting outside help, pray about talking with your pastor or elders. Ask for prayer and advice on how to move forward. But don’t lose hope. You can still use this time to work on yourself. You are not your spouse’s Holy Spirit, and you can trust that the Lord will work in his perfect timing (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Remember that fighting for your marriage is worth every second and that asking for help is a sign of wisdom, strength, and maturity. Fighting for your marriage likely won’t be easy, but God is with you, and God is for you.
If you consider yourself to be in an abusive marriage, forgiveness and reconciliation are sometimes possible. Please reach out to your pastor, elders, or a trusted friend. Ask for help. Get somewhere safe, and then explore the hope of restoring your marriage.
Related:
4 Powerful Prayers for a Troubled Marriage
12 Traits of an Abusive Relationship
10 Ways to Rebuild Trust in a Marriage on the Rocks
20 Reasons Marriages Fail (Christian Marriages, Too)
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/jacoblund
Related Podcast Resource: 5 Ways to C.O.V.E.R. Your Marriage in Prayer
One of the most important things you can do for your marriage is to pray for your marriage. Learning communication skills, conflict resolution techniques and intimacy hacks are great. However, if you’re leaving your marriage uncovered by failing to pray for your spouse and your marriage, it will always be vulnerable to attacks. Prayer is an essential guiding tool to get you and your spouse on the same page and create unity in your marriage. In this episode of Real Relationship Talk, Dana Che shares her acronym C.O.V.E.R., which teaches you how to specifically pray for your marriage. To listen, just click the play button below:
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Salem Web Network and Salem Media Group.
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