Matt Jacobson - Loving Your Wife Well: A 52-Week Devotional for the Deeper, Richer Marriage You Desire

F riend, your marriage is the most important relationship you will ever have this side of heaven. No aspect of your life will be left untouched by the woman you spend your life with. As husbands, sometimes we forget how the choices we make in our everyday interactions with our wife can impact our marriage. Its easy to lose sight of the spiritual importance and power of our relationship. Thats why I want to share this book with you. The biblical truths and principles in this devotional have been the bedrock of my marriage to Lisa, and I know they will bless your marriage greatly too.

All the devotions in this book have the same format. Each week focuses on a single subject and includes a Scripture selection, followed by an exploration of the topic. Then there are a few questions for self-reflection and several practical suggestions for how you can apply the principles to your marriage over the coming week. Finally, each devotional reading ends with a sample prayer to help focus your thoughts.

Before you get started, keep in mind that Loving Your Wife Well can be read and applied by itself, but it was created as a companion devotional to Loving Your Husband Well , a book written by my wife, Lisa, for your wife.

Both devotionals follow a similar format, but the content in the devotional designed for wives is different because Lisa is writing to your wife on these topics from her perspective, and I write directly to you from mine... and, no, we didnt compare notes during the writing process!

Again, the devotionals can be read and applied independently, but when you and your wife are going through the same topics and Scriptures (though Lisa and I do use different translations at times), it makes for great discussion throughout the week and the opportunity to grow even closer together.

Maybe youre one of those men who remain very consistent in their devotional lives. But if its not a regular part of your spiritual life and this process is new to you, Id like to share with you some of my own personal practices for entering into devotional time with the Lord (when Im vigilant and on my game!).

Here are the things I do:

Be consistent. Pick a specific day and time each week for devotional readings. Monday morning is a good time to begin this weekly devotional.

Avoid looking at my phone or computer. Ive found it very beneficial not to even look at my phone or open my computer prior to my time meeting with God in the morning. Once in the digital world, its difficult to get my focus back on the Lord and His Word, so I dont even go there.

Remember Whom Im meeting with. I remind myself that I have the massive privilege to meet with the God of creation, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of all history, and I prostrate myself before Himface to the groundand worship Him. He is worthy.

Seek the Fathers guidance. I pray that He will help me hear His voice through His Word and in my reading, and that He will do His work in my heart for His purposes in my life.

Take the time to read and ponder, think about, and/or meditate on the Scripture reading. I think about what Ive read and seek to hear the voice of the Spirit. What is it that God is seeking to teach me today?

Pray. I give thanks (never forget to give thanks) and pray about burdens, concerns, and needs, asking for Gods perspective, favor, and protection.

Lift my thoughts in praise. I like to listen to an upbeat praise song or a hymn that reminds me of the power of my God and His goodness.

If youre reading this devotional along with your wife or by yourself, choose a specific day of the week and a regular time, and stick with it! Read through the devotion and use the rest of the week to think about and apply the principles and suggestions to your own life and relationship with your wife. And if youre doing them together, be sure to take the lead on finding a time when the two of you can come together to discuss the weeks topic and ways that you can grow together in Christlikeness and be a blessing to each other.

Welcome to the journey of seeking to love your wife well. The fruit of this journey in Lisas and my life has been sweet. May God bless you and your wife in the coming year.