With a new year ahead of us, I think it’s a good idea to resolve to get more of the Word while strengthening our marriages. I believe the following scriptures will help whenever an issue comes up or if you just need encouragement. I recommend meditating on one monthly, in any order.

1. When you don’t know what to do about your situation. Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Don’t be afraid to go to God.

2. When you feel like you can’t take anymore. Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Let God be strong where you are weak.

3. When you are concerned about the state of your marriage. Philippians 4:6 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Don’t be afraid to ask the Father anything

4. When you wonder if your prayers are being heard. 1 John 5:14-15 “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” You gotta have faith.

5. When you want to know if you can confide in some of your friends and family about your marriage. Proverbs 13:20 “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” Ask for discernment, not everyone has your best interests in mind.

6. When you are having a hard time controlling your words. James 3:8-10 “But no mane can tame the tongue. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.” Think before you speak, you cannot take back words.

7. When you want to know how to be married. Colossians 3:18-19 “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter towards them.” Marriage works better when you do this.

8. When all hell is going on in your marriage. Isaiah 26:3 “you will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” His peace is like no other.

9. When you have done all that you can. Psalms 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.” Don’t make a move until He tells you to.

10. When you want to know what the Bible says about sex in marriage. 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 “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.  Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” Sex shouldn’t be used as a form of manipulation.

11. When you have problems with your in-laws. Ephesians 5:31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” Leave and be united.

12. When you are afraid your marriage may end. 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Use your power to speak over your situation in a positive way.

Marriage is work, and I know as long as you both keep God first in your lives and in your marriage, be sincere with yourself and your spouse, you stand the chance of having a forever marriage. The Word works if you work the Word. You have to have faith which comes from hearing the Word.

Lastly, no matter what you encounter in your marriage know that “all things (good and bad) will work together for your good.” Bonus – My favorite scripture, Romans 8:28. Be blessed and don’t forget to study these scriptures throughout the year.

BMWK family, what other scriptures do you turn to for guidance in your marriage?