7 Spiritual Practices of Happy Wives

“How have you made it over 43 years?” Sometimes when a wife learns how long I’ve been married, her eyes widen and her expression says, “That’s so long. I don’t know if I can do it.”  

Keith and I are the first to admit that marriage isn’t always easy and that God and prayer are key. What specific tips do I share with wives to encourage them that they can be happy wives instead of discouraged and defeated?

1. Happy wives focus on their worth and identity in Christ and in His love for them. They’re mindful their husbands are sinners, and like them, won’t be perfect this side of heaven. Although at times they fulfill our hopes and dreams, other times they’ll say and do things that hurt or disappoint. Therefore, wives who meet daily with Jesus and read His love letters to them from the Bible are happier than those who don’t. Jeremiah 31:3

2. Happy wives read the Bible with the intention of following it. They recognize that reading the bible is only part of the equation – that living out God’s Word, although difficult, is the key to experiencing real growth and connection with their husband. Real growth comes in the application of truth.  Psalm 1:1-2

3. Happy wives apologize to their spouse and God when they do wrong. In turn, they forgive their husbands and don’t keep an account of their husband’s faults. They put bitterness away from them rather than hold to it. Matthew 18:21-22, Ephesians 4:31

4. Happy wives ask God to fill them with His Spirit. They know that their love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control are limited so they seek Christ’s heavenly, limitless supply. Ephesians 5:18, Galatians 5:20-22

5. Happy wives respectfully bring up concerns to their husbands at opportune times; then turn their concerns into prayers. They know nagging their husband is ineffective, but that nothing is impossible with God. They ask God to work in their husband’s lives and to work in their own life and attitude. Philippians 4:6-7, Luke 1:37

6. Happy wives are aware that being a Christian doesn’t exempt them from worldly pressures, temptations, sickness, and suffering. Rather than having pity parties, they pray and look to God to work all things together for good. John 16:33

7. Happy wives guard their thoughts and journal their prayers and God’s answers. Research validates that those who keep a gratitude journal are more optimistic about life than those who don’t. 2 Corinthians 10:5, Philippians 4:8

You may read the above and think, “I can’t be or do all that.” Neither can I all the time and certainly not without Christ’s help. That’s why they’re called “practices.” Happy wives aren’t perfect. They practice Christ’s perfect teachings. Philippians 4:9

Wife Step: Select one of the above to practice this week.

Debbie Taylor Williams, founder of Hill Country Ministries, a non-profit 501© 3 dedicated to spreading God’s Word and love, is a sought out national Christian speaker and author. Best known as a passionate Biblical expositor, Debbie uses humor and practical illustrations to communicate spiritual truths to women of all ages and walks of life. She has written 7 books and produced numerous video driven Bible studies, including The Plan A Mom In a Plan B World, The Plan A Woman In a Plan B World, Pray With Purpose, Live With Passion; Prayers of My Heart; If God Is In Control, Why Do I Have A Headache?; If God Is In Control, Why Am I A Basket Case, and Discovering His Passion.