… because I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately.

I’ve been thinking about it, first of all, because I need to internalize how God feels about me. I don’t always feel “loved by God,” even though I know this to be true. I know that it will take meditating on that truth so that I can scrape away the peeling wallpaper of lies that still covers the walls of my heart and mind.

The second reason I’ve thought about this lately is due to something I heard at the AACC* convention I went to recently. One of the classes I attended was led by Greg Smalley and he talked about reminding ourselves that our spouse is a child of God. He said if we do that we will treat our spouses as the valuable treasures they are in Christ.

That gave me an idea.

I decided to print out certain Bible verses that reminded me of my value in God’s eyes, as well as, my husband’s value in God’s eyes. I have posted these verses in various places to read over daily and remember just how precious we both are to God. And when we pray together daily, we also read the verses to each other (I read a verse and then Gary reads the next verse and so on). This sets the tone for our day together or apart.

My favorite is Zephaniah 3:17. That verse tells me that God loves me (and you) so much that He sings over me (us)! Wow! What a mind-blowing concept!

Now, I’ve already seen the power that prayer has had on my marriage. But I also want to see how the power of speaking and meditating on God’s Word—His truth—will impact my life and marriage.

If I am reminded how valuable my husband is to God, I will feel compelled to treat him as the treasure he is to God. And equally, if I realize and remind myself of my value to God, I will behave in a way that is in keeping with my beloved position in Christ.

It’s the transformation of my mind that transforms my marriage.

I want to share these Bible verses with you, as well. Even if your spouse won’t read over these or recite them with you daily, you can meditate on them daily for your own sense of comfort and encouragement.

Here’s how it works: simply click on this link – “God’s Love” and you’ll find a Word document to save to your own files. I’m sharing a Word document instead of a PDF, so that you can personalize the verses for yourself and your spouse. The document has two pages formatted into two columns. The first page can be used as a half-sheet that you can hang in a conspicuous spot somewhere. The second sheet can be cut out and glued to index cards for you and your spouse to carry with you.

So my answer to the question is based upon God’s Word and what He tells me is true. Now I just need to internalize that truth!

“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

*American Association of Christian Counselors