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490-Putting God First Will Change Your Marriage

Delight Your Marriage

Release Date: 07/04/2025

514-40 Years of Broken Trust to Safety & Celebration: A Christmas Miracle (Laura's Story) show art 514-40 Years of Broken Trust to Safety & Celebration: A Christmas Miracle (Laura's Story)

Delight Your Marriage

514-40 Years of Broken Trust to Safety & Celebration: A Christmas Miracle (Laura's Story) There is a kind of marriage pain that does not look dramatic.It’s not an outward struggle.Just a quiet ache.A marriage that functions but does not feel alive. Laura lived in that space for decades. From the outside, her life looked good. Forty years of marriage. Seven children. A faithful husband. A stable home. A shared faith. Everything a good Christian marriage is supposed to be. And yet, beneath the surface, something was missing. Emotional Safety.Real connection.Being fully seen. For a long...

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513-The Christmas Reset: Peace Over Perfection (Interview With My Sons) show art 513-The Christmas Reset: Peace Over Perfection (Interview With My Sons)

Delight Your Marriage

Christmas can feel magical.It can also feel exhausting. If you’re a parent who secretly feels pressure rising as the holidays approach—the expectations, the mess, the emotions, the memories—you’re not alone. And sometimes, the clearest wisdom doesn’t come from another parenting book or productivity hack. Sometimes it comes from children. I sat down with my two sons for a conversation about Christmas. I expected sweetness and laughter (and we definitely had that). But what I didn’t expect was how profoundly wise their reflections would be—for moms and dads who want to keep Christ...

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512-What Turns Her Off — and What Godly Husbands Do Instead show art 512-What Turns Her Off — and What Godly Husbands Do Instead

Delight Your Marriage

What Turns Her Off — and What Godly Husbands Do Instead Have you ever wished you could just…get inside your wife’s heart for a moment? Not to manipulate, but to genuinely understand her. To love her in a way that makes her feel safe and wanted—not pressured or confused. My husband Darrow and I sat down to talk through something men rarely get honest insight about: Her biggest turn-offs. And not because we want to shame or scold—but because clarity brings freedom. When you finally understand what shuts her down, you also discover what opens her heart. So take a deep breath.You're not...

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511-Forty-Five Years Married and Afraid of Retirement: Patty's Story show art 511-Forty-Five Years Married and Afraid of Retirement: Patty's Story

Delight Your Marriage

Forty-Five Years Married and Afraid of Retirement: Patty's Story Patty had a life most people would admire. Forty-five years of marriage. Four children. Seven grandkids. Retirement. A kind, steady husband. From the outside, it looked like she had it all. But inside? Patty was scared. Not because she didn’t love her husband. They laughed together, they got along. But underneath the “good,” there was a quiet ache. A deep disconnection she didn’t know how to fix. And as retirement began and the rest of life slowed down, and the thought of spending more time with her husband began to feel...

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510-Is it Possible to Have Joy in Lovemaking? show art 510-Is it Possible to Have Joy in Lovemaking?

Delight Your Marriage

Is it Possible to Have Joy in Lovemaking? Physical intimacy can be one of the most painful topics in a woman’s life. Maybe you’ve felt shame for years. Maybe your husband brings it up constantly, and all you want to do is shrink away. Or maybe, deep down, you wonder if something is just wrong with you. If that’s where you are, I want you to know—I've been there. I’ve felt the fear. I’ve felt the pressure. I’ve carried the shame. And I want to walk with you through what I’ve learned on the other side: There is healing. There is hope. And yes, there is joy. The Pain Is Real—But...

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509-Eternal Marriage Mindset: Living Today for the Streets of Gold show art 509-Eternal Marriage Mindset: Living Today for the Streets of Gold

Delight Your Marriage

Eternal Marriage Mindset: Living Today for the Streets of Gold We get so caught up in the now—our needs, our feelings, our expectations—that we forget: this isn’t forever. And when it comes to your marriage, your mindset matters more than you know. What if the goal isn’t just earthly happiness… but eternal impact? Let’s shift our gaze from the temporary to the eternal—from trying to fix our spouse to faithfully loving them like Jesus. Because your marriage assignment? It impacts eternity. A Marriage Mindset That Reaches for Heaven If marriage is your god, you’ll do it your way....

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508-How Daily Habits Transformed His 36-Year Marriage: Harvey’s Story show art 508-How Daily Habits Transformed His 36-Year Marriage: Harvey’s Story

Delight Your Marriage

How Daily Habits Transformed His 36-Year Marriage: Harvey’s Story Marriage is holy work. Maybe you're reading this today because you're hoping your marriage will change. Maybe you're reading this because you've prayed, "Lord, please help my marriage," when really you mean "Lord, please help my spouse!" I hope this blog and episode will make you feel both comforted and inspired — that you’ll be reminded your marriage can change, not by grand gestures or perfect communication, but by small, faithful, daily habits of love. This is what Harvey discovered as well. That it wasn't grand...

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507-“Marriage First” Makes Your Life Unstable show art 507-“Marriage First” Makes Your Life Unstable

Delight Your Marriage

“Marriage First” Makes Your Life Unstable At the end of my life, I want to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  That’s the goal that keeps me grounded—and I know many of you share that desire. But here’s a hard truth I’ve learned through years of walking with couples: when our marriage or family becomes our first priority instead of God, everything starts to crumble. Why “Family First” Doesn’t Work I once had a conversation with someone I deeply love who said, “You think God has to be first—but I think family should be first.” His heart was...

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506-How to Not Have an Affair: Interview with Gary Thomas show art 506-How to Not Have an Affair: Interview with Gary Thomas

Delight Your Marriage

It doesn’t start with scandal. It often doesn't even start with feelings. It starts with a smile. A moment of connection. A conversation that feels easy—maybe easier than the ones you’ve been having at home. You walk away thinking, That was nothing. But somewhere deep down, you also know—it could become something. If that’s where you find yourself today (or even if you’ve seen the warning signs in someone you love), please take a deep breath. You’re not broken. You didn't marry the wrong person. You haven't done an irredeemable thing with no going back. You’re human. And this...

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505-How a Family Life Educator Took Her Marriage from Good to Great: Jen's Story show art 505-How a Family Life Educator Took Her Marriage from Good to Great: Jen's Story

Delight Your Marriage

How a Family Life Educator Took Her Marriage from Good to Great: Jen's Story Sometimes, the couples who join our programs aren’t on the brink of divorce. They aren’t fighting all the time. They actually have a good marriage. But deep down, they know it could be better. That’s exactly where Jen was when she found Delight Your Marriage. “We Had a Good Marriage… But I Knew It Could Be More” Jen and her husband had been married nearly 15 years. They had three young kids, a busy life, and no major marital crisis. As she put it, “We were not in conflict with each other. We didn’t...

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Putting God First Will Change Your Marriage

If you're anything like me, you’ve found yourself caught in the swirl of responsibilities, relationships, expectations... and distractions. It’s so easy to let the noise of life drown out the voice of God.

Even in marriage—especially in marriage—it’s easy to start placing our hope in the wrong thing. And when we do that, even the good things, like marriage, can become shaky ground.

But what if the real anchor isn’t your spouse, or your role, or your routine—but your relationship with God?

Why Putting God First Can Transform Your Marriage

We live in a world of constant input. Notifications, streaming, social media, endless to-dos. And if we’re not intentional, those distractions steal our attention—and with it, our peace, our purpose, and our priorities.

I've found that when I step away from it all—when I intentionally remove the distractions—I can finally hear God clearly again. Whether it's walking in nature without my phone or sitting in a quiet space with my journal, those moments of silence are sacred. They realign me.

Because when God is clear, everything else becomes clear, too.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” —Matthew 6:33

How Husbands Can Become Spiritual Leaders in the Home

Husbands, you are called to lead your home—not because you have all the answers, but because God entrusted you with that role.

Leadership doesn’t mean control. It means surrender. It means taking responsibility, laying down pride, and anchoring your identity in Christ—not in your wife’s response.

If your stability is based on her reactions, your leadership will always be shaky. But when your eyes are on Jesus, you can lead with strength, consistency, and peace—even if the journey is slow.

“The wise man built his house on the rock… and it did not fall.” —Matthew 7:24-25 (paraphrased)

What Biblical Respect Looks Like for Christian Wives

Wives, I get it. Maybe you feel like you’ve had to take the reins because your husband hasn’t. Maybe you feel stronger spiritually. Maybe you’re just more organized.

But leadership is about role—not ability. And when we as wives step out of our God-given role, we accidentally make it harder for our husbands to rise into theirs.

Respect doesn’t mean silence or enabling. It means honoring the role God has given him, even when it’s hard. And when you do? It makes your husband feel safe, trusted, and invited to lead.

Should I Still Respect My Husband If I Don’t Trust Him?

If your husband has let you down—or worse, betrayed your trust—you might wonder: “How do I respect a man who hasn’t earned it?”

That’s real. But our motivation as believers isn’t based on someone else’s worthiness. It’s based on God’s worthiness.

You can walk in wisdom, set boundaries, and still respect the role. Because when you show honor, you’re honoring God first.

(Need more on this? Search our site for our podcast: “Respect an Untrustworthy Man”)

Why Most Marriages Struggle Without Spiritual Rhythms

If you’ve been running on empty, it may be time to return to spiritual rhythms.

Daily time with God. Weekly check-ins with your heart. Monthly reflection. These aren’t just good habits—they’re lifelines. They give you clarity, patience, and power to live out your role with joy.

Even if your personality makes this hard (mine does too!), it’s worth fighting for. Your family’s health depends on your spiritual nourishment.

What “Helper” Really Means (And It’s Not What You Think)

In Genesis 2, God calls Eve a “helper”—and the original Hebrew word ezer is used most often to describe God Himself as our rescuer, protector, and strength.

Wives, this means your role is powerful, not passive. You have the God-given ability to uplift, empower, and even save your husband in ways no one else can. Not through control, but through encouragement, respect, and faith-filled love.

When Leadership in Marriage Gets Out of Order

The fall of man in Genesis didn’t start with an affair or abuse. It started with misplaced leadership.

Adam was present. He knew the truth. But instead of leading, he followed. Instead of obeying God, he obeyed his wife.

Men, this is your reminder: you are responsible. And women, if you want your husband to lead, you have to let go of the wheel.

Restoring biblical order doesn’t mean a power struggle—it means peace, protection, and purpose.

What to Do When You Feel Hopeless in Your Marriage

You might be reading this with tears in your eyes. Maybe your marriage is hanging by a thread. Maybe you've tried everything, and nothing has worked. Maybe you’re ready to give up.

Don’t.

God sees you. He hasn’t forgotten you. And no matter how far things have gone, there is still hope. Even if your spouse doesn’t change right away. Even if it’s just you taking the first step.

Seek God first. Love your spouse like Jesus. And trust that God will do the rest.

Where there is breath in the lungs, there is hope.

 

With love,

 

The Delight Your Marriage Team

 

PS – Ready to take the next step and learn more about our Coaching Programs? We’d love to talk with you. Book a free Clarity Call today:
delightyourmarriage.com/cc

PPS - To watch the full episode on YouTube, click here.

PPPS - Here's a quote from a recent graduate:

"When I started DYM, I was desperate to save my marriage. When Dana told me that I could do more than just save my marriage, but could actually enjoy it, I literally laughed at her. I had given up hope of having a happy marriage. All I wanted was to avoid divorce at all costs. Here we are a year later, expecting our third sweet baby… I did in fact, by Gods grace, do more than save my marriage!! I actually genuinely LIKE my husband!! We are happy and healing and couldn’t be more grateful. God bless DYM. Thank you for having hope for my marital happiness, even when I did not."