Ode To My Valentine...

Praise for my husband

Sometimes, I complain about my husband. I know, I know, I shouldn’t, but I get irritated. However, it’s usually minor and petty.

One day, it struck me…I have a good husband, I mean an excellent husband! God has given me the gift of a man I don’t deserve. And not only does he love me, but he actually likes me! LOL

My husband is a good man. He has a kind and generous heart and often helps people in need. He is an excellent father and a faithful, reliable, godly man who honours his word once it is given. He’s hardworking at his job and around the house, doing the little tasks I ask of him, even if he rolls his eyes. I really should appreciate him more.

Solomon, in Proverbs, declares, “The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favour from the Lord.” (18:22 NLT) And “A prudent wife is from the Lord.” (19:14 NIV)

But I would like to expand that concept to include your husband. “The woman who finds a husband finds a treasure!” And “A prudent husband is from the Lord.” (Proverbs 19:14 NIV) (Emphasis and interpretation mine)

How many of us thank God for the husband we were given? Sometimes, I need to remember to appreciate the gift. Sure, he’s not perfect, but neither am I. He is a gift from God that should be honoured and appreciated. By criticizing the gift, am I not also insulting the giver?

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17 ESV)

Jesus tells us how our relationships should be, to love and respect one another, as Jesus loved the church and gave his life for it. “And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesian 5:21 NLT)

The book of Proverbs is full of references to life with a critical wife:

“Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.” (21:19 NIV)

“A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm (27:15 NIV)

“Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.” (21:9 AND repeated 25:24 NIV)

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be that kind of wife! I would rather be the wife that is extolled in Proverbs 31 “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” (31:28 ESV) “She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.” (Proverbs 31:12 ESV)

Today I will be thankful and appreciate the gift of my husband. Instead of criticizing, I will praise him and encourage him by focusing on the positive instead of the negative. I pledge to pray daily for him, giving him love, honour, and respect, not because I have to but because I want to.

Take a moment to thank God for your spouse today

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