I couldn’t resist choosing my “one-word” based on the year we’ve just entered—2020! I’m considering this to be an important reminder from the Lord to pursue greater insight in the new year. And though I cannot improve my own faulty eye vision, I can improve my insight into God, myself, my spouse, and my marriage.

But even better than that . . .

I can help you—MM reader—to find better insight into all of these priorities as well. Best of all, insight is one of the main ways God brings growth, encouragement, and healing to our lives and marriages.

Who doesn’t want that?

“Insight” and “wisdom” are often paired in Scripture, and are synonyms for the most part.

But I’ll be looking at INSIGHT through two lenses . . .

1. Though wisdom involves knowing God’s truths and principles, insight goes further—applying these truths to our lives.

2. Insight is also about looking deeply into something and, especially for our purposes, into someone.

With wisdom and insight in mind, let’s gain a bit of insight from one of the wisest men to ever live—Solomon (1 Kings 4:30-31).

“God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.”  —1 Kings 4:29

Just imagine trying to count the grains of sand on the seashore! 😉 That perfectly captures the measureless amount of wisdom, insight, and understanding Solomon was given by God (1 Kings 3:9).

Thankfully, the gift of wisdom was not only extended to Solomon!

In the book of James, we find a true and comforting promise that is meant for all who ask God for insight  . . .

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”  —James 1:5

So are you ready to take on the challenge? To pursue greater insight with me in 2020? 

I hope so!

4 Directions for Examining and Gaining “INSIGHT”

First, we will take an honest and comprehensive view of OURSELVES.

This involves prayerful examination, as well as taking inventory of our tendencies, habits and, most uncomfortably, our sins. 

Second, we’ll take an in-depth look at our SPOUSES.

This means becoming a student of our spouses—learning as much as possible about them. Even and especially for those who think they know their spouses inside and out! 😉

I will be introducing mostly pleasant, positive, and interesting opportunities and ideas here all throughout the year. If this doesn’t put you at ease, at least this should relieve your spouse!

Third, we’ll closely examine our MARRIAGES.

This challenge will first be done in light of what we’re learning about ourselves and our spouses. But it also will include looking intently into what God’s word says about marriage. Quite the deep pool from which to swim!

Fourth, we’ll look deeply into who GOD is and what that means for you, your spouse, and your marriage.

This last and most important challenge will give you the most insight into all the other directions! If you and I do a great job here, we can expect God to bless us in unexpected and encouraging ways.

If, after you’ve given yourself fully to this process, you don’t find the healing you want for your marriage, then I’m sure you’ll find the grace to endure it. Not only that, but God and His word WILL bring healing to your HEART! That’s because this direction and pursuit will draw you and me closer to the Lord.

“ . . . He [God] rewards those who earnestly seek him.”  —Hebrews 11:6 (emphasis mine)

“He [God] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”            —Psalm 147:3 (emphasis mine)

How this series and challenge will work: Each week I’ll be focusing on a particular issue that will offer greater insight into how you view yourself, your spouse, your marriage, and God. I’ll also be providing a brief inventory (free PDF) with each post that will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses in relation to the topics listed below.

Consider purchasing a notebook and printing out each inventory so that you’ll have a comprehensive view once the series has been completed. Most importantly, I’ll also be providing steps you can take to strengthen your weaknesses and reinforce your strengths. We can’t expect to gain insight and not do anything with it! 

Some of the issues and topics we’ll be looking at include: 

• Identity/Self-esteem
• Humility/Patience
• Forgiving Attitude
• Faithfulness/Trustworthiness
• Honesty/Vulnerability
• Unselfishness
• Submission
• Unity
• Trust
• Connection to Spouse
• Spiritual Encouragement
• Affection
• Affirmation
• Sexual Intimacy
• Healthy Boundaries
• Money Matters and Contentment
• Parenting Approach
• Children (How much of a priority/focus they are)
• In-law Relations 
• Spiritual Disciplines
• Love and Respect
• Love of and for God
• Trust of God

This opportunity will be like taking a marriage course from a marriage counselor/life coach . . . That would be me! 😉 But most of all, you’ll learn how to apply the truths of Scripture to your life and marriage. After all, God is the greatest and wisest Counselor and Healer of all!

Before we begin this effort, I want to make sure that you have clarity on an all-important issue. If you are uncertain about whether or not you have placed your faith in Christ, please read here and here. Embracing Christ’s free gift of salvation, instead of relying on your “good works” to win His favor, will be so crucial to your success in this effort to find healing and health! If you haven’t made this commitment yet, then don’t waste another day!

If you’d like to get a head start on taking the inventory for the focus of next week—identity and self-esteem—then click on Insight into Self Inventory to download the PDF. Click here to find all the posts in this series. 

I hope you’ll join me in praying for insight each day using the following prayer. Click here to download a full-size, printable PDF for your daily use . . .

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Which of the many issues, listed above, do you need the most insight into? 

 

What is your “one-word” for 2020 and how do you hope it will improve your life?