“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” Philippians 1:3-5

What if we took time to thank God for our spouses, remembering their partnership in our marriages from the day we married until now? Take a few minutes each day to remember and write down something from the past that you remember about your husband or wife that you are thankful for. Before you write, ask God to refresh your memory.

Paul remembers the faithfulness of the Christians at Philippi. They partnered with him to spread the Good News of Jesus, from the first day they were introduced to the gospel and even while Paul wrote his letter to them from his Roman house arrest some 11 years later. The Philippians had been generous in extending their friendship and financial support.

Reflecting upon his friends in Philippi and all they meant to him caused Paul to thank God for them with great joy.

“Remember, reflect, and respond. … God is in the business of changing you! He is about changing your native language from griping to gratitude!” (Linda Dillow, What’s It Like to Be Married to Me? p. 87).

I imagine myself in Paul’s situation. House arrest, waiting to go before Caesar, facing possible execution. Would I be rejoicing over my friends, my partners in spreading the gospel? I would like to think so, but the reality is that I would probably be focused upon my troubles.

Remember the little things that your husband did last week that made you smile? Can’t remember? Stop reading this and ask God to help you remember those sweet moments. We’ll wait for you.

Remember his compliment? “Great dinner!”

He opened the door for you? Sweet!

He took out the trash? “Thank you!”

Remember those sweet moments your wife gave you?

She sent you that love-filled text.

She made you that special desert.

She gave you a foot massage.

Think about those moments, and say a prayer of thanks for your wonderful spouse. Then, express your gratitude.

Embarrassment might be the reaction. That’s okay. Deep down, smiling is the reaction. I’m sure that those moments will be repeated this week.

Father, cause us to remember the sweet moments we’ve had with our spouses. Help us to meditate on those smiles. We want to become more thankful, Lord. We want to bless our spouses with joy. We rejoice in our spouses, for they are Your gift to us. Lord, thank You for our marriages. Bless our spouses and keep them in Your great love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What were some of the sweet moments your spouse gave to you last week?

Please share in the comments section.