Does your marriage seem out of sync at times? Mine has and still does on occasion. I notice it when we argue more often, desire space, or get aggravated with something as simple as a look given. These are telltale signs that something is out of line.

What are your indications that things are not right?

Some have expressed the following clues to me:

• Our communication becomes aggressive.
• We avoid one another.
• The cabinet doors close a little louder.
• We deal with a sense of loneliness.
• Both of us feel misunderstood.

Do any of those descriptions sound familiar to you? I bet you could add a few more to the list.

Could it be that things are all wacky because we get our priorities out of line? That’s usually the case for me.

God desires that we make Him first place in our lives.

In Colossians 1:18 (CSB) it reads that He is also the Head of the body, the church; He is the Beginning, the Firstborn from the dead, SO THAT He might come to have first place in everything.

He longs for you and me to have a deep, intimate relationship with Him by making time for Him over everything else going on in our lives.

How is your relationship with God right now?

When is the last time you sat still with Him, talked with Him, or praised Him?

Have other people, things, or hobbies stolen first place?

If the answer is yes, you are not alone. It’s a slippery slope most of us slide down. We begin by taking control of what’s in front of us rather than trusting God with it. The distractions of everyday life set us in motion to trust in ourselves, our ways, and our timing.

The reality is we juggle too much.  At times, we drop what should be our priority.

When I make my children, husband, or ministry priority over my time with God my marriage suffers.

I think God rigged it that way.

One of God’s names is “Jealous One.”

Exodus 34:14 (NLT) reads this way: “You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about His relationship with you.”

See, the more we are rooted in our relationship with Christ the more we will flourish; not just in our marriage but as a parent, and all areas of life.

God’s design is for Him to be the only One that can completely fulfill us.

Consider the greatest commandment, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)

Let’s become so aware of our telltale signs that when something is out of sync, we nip it in the bud before it grows out of control. This is a practice I haven’t perfected, but have definitely improved upon.  I intentionally seek to have my marriage stay out of the wacky zone as much as possible.

Instead of strife, let’s crave more harmony and balance in our lives. With God’s help and your intentional efforts to place God first above all things, you, too, will become better at enhancing your marriage.

*Be sure to get your free copy of 10-One Sentence Prayers to Enhance Your Marriage.

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To view Part 1 and 2 Enhancing Your Marriage check out my podcast page.

Part 1 

Part 2