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490-Putting God First Will Change Your Marriage

Delight Your Marriage

Release Date: 07/04/2025

500 Episodes! Your Influence & Joining DYM's in Our Next Decade show art 500 Episodes! Your Influence & Joining DYM's in Our Next Decade

Delight Your Marriage

When I hit “record” on the very first Delight Your Marriage podcast 10 years ago, my mic stand was a Quaker Oats container.  I had a dream, a story, and a hope that I thought could help others.  I just had a few loaves and fishes to offer—with a world in need. Now—500 episodes later—we’ve seen Him do it: hundreds marriages restored in our programs directly, many thousands of families transformed through our podcast, lives healed all over the world.  And yet, this milestone isn’t just about what God has done at Delight Your Marriage—it’s about what He wants to...

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499-Sinful v. Holy Fierce Intimacy (Re-Release) show art 499-Sinful v. Holy Fierce Intimacy (Re-Release)

Delight Your Marriage

499-Sinful v. Holy Fierce Intimacy I was confused. There I was a new bride, having saved myself for marriage… only to find out that my new husband wanted me to do SINFUL things. Where did he get all this “inspiration” anyway? Oh, I knew: sinful places. So, of course, I refused. And of course, it brought mutual anger (covering each of our hurt). What’s your story? If it’s even remotely like mine, I needed to change the lens in which I was viewing sex. I wasn’t viewing sex from a biblical standpoint. I was viewing sex from a sexually perverted lens. (Even though I saved my sex for...

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498-Creating Better Habits for a Better Marriage: Michael's Story show art 498-Creating Better Habits for a Better Marriage: Michael's Story

Delight Your Marriage

Creating Better Habits for a Better Marriage: Michael's Story You love your wife. You love your family. And you’d do anything for them. But if you’re honest… things don’t feel quite the same as they used to. Maybe you’re exhausted from work, the baby, or the endless list of responsibilities. Maybe your evenings with your wife now look more like two roommates collapsed on the couch—silent, tired, and just hoping tomorrow will be better. That’s exactly where Michael found himself. A good man. A loving husband. A dad who adored his toddler son. And yet—he noticed the spark in his...

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497-Living a Life of No Regrets in Marriage and Faith show art 497-Living a Life of No Regrets in Marriage and Faith

Delight Your Marriage

497-Living a Life of No Regrets in Marriage and Faith [Re-Release] (Previously Titled: Changing OURSELVES in Light of Eternity) Hello, listeners! As we continue to work on our recording our very first in-person trainings, we hope you will enjoy some of the re-releases from the past few years of the Delight Your Marriage podcast (It has certainly been sweet to us to re-listen and share some of our favorites with you!) For this week, we hope you will enjoy a little bit of Christmas in the summertime as we talk about living life in light of eternity. Christmas is certainly a wonderful time to...

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496-Abiding in God’s Love by Living a Life of Surrender show art 496-Abiding in God’s Love by Living a Life of Surrender

Delight Your Marriage

Abiding in God’s Love by Living a Life of Surrender (Formerly Titled: Real Love Takes Sacrifice) We know the Bible says “God is love” (1 John 4:8) and that He loved us first. But if we’re honest, many of us spend more time wondering, “Does God really love me?” than asking the deeper, more revealing question: “Do I truly love Him?” That’s the heart of today’s message. God’s love for you is unshakable, unchanging, and eternal. The real question is whether your love for Him is genuine—and if it’s showing up in your life the way true love always does: through sacrifice....

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495-Years of Counseling Didn’t Help, But Now After 35 Years They’re Better Than Ever show art 495-Years of Counseling Didn’t Help, But Now After 35 Years They’re Better Than Ever

Delight Your Marriage

After nearly four decades of marriage, Kim and Russ had done the hard work. They had raised five children, invested in professional counseling, read marriage books, and sought spiritual guidance. And still, something was missing. The breakthrough moments they experienced through the years never seemed to last. They still longed for a deeper connection and the kind of love they had always dreamed of. The Pain of “Almost” Fixing It Kim felt emotionally unsafe for far too long. Arguments were frequent, and intimacy had become something to endure rather than enjoy. She said, “We spent tens...

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494-Don't Waste the Great Gift of Influence (Re-Release) show art 494-Don't Waste the Great Gift of Influence (Re-Release)

Delight Your Marriage

Don't Waste the Great Gift of Influence (Formerly titled: Don't Waste Your Impact) It’s easy to underestimate just how much weight your words, actions, and attitudes carry—especially in your marriage. But the truth is, your spouse is the person you impact most in this life. And that impact can either build up or break down. It can draw them closer to Jesus—or push them further away. Whether you're aware of it or not, you are influencing every day. The real question is: how are you using that influence? In today’s episode, we’re exploring what Scripture and research say about the...

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494-Don't Waste the Great Gift of Influence (Re-Release) show art 494-Don't Waste the Great Gift of Influence (Re-Release)

Delight Your Marriage

Don't Waste the Great Gift of Influence (Formerly titled: Don't Waste Your Impact) It’s easy to underestimate just how much weight your words, actions, and attitudes carry—especially in your marriage. But the truth is, your spouse is the person you impact most in this life. And that impact can either build up or break down. It can draw them closer to Jesus—or push them further away. Whether you're aware of it or not, you are influencing every day. The real question is: how are you using that influence? In today’s episode, we’re exploring what Scripture and research say about the...

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493- Fall in Love With Your Spouse Again: Kay’s Story show art 493- Fall in Love With Your Spouse Again: Kay’s Story

Delight Your Marriage

Fall in Love With Your Spouse Again: Kay’s Story Marriage is one of God’s most beautiful gifts—and one of His most powerful tools for growth and sanctification. But even after decades of love and commitment, many couples find themselves asking the quiet question: What happened to us? Maybe you're feeling distant from your spouse. Maybe you’re still under the same roof—but it feels like you're living parallel lives. Maybe you’ve stopped hoping things can change. That’s where Kay was after 33 years of marriage. But her story is a powerful reminder: It is possible to fall in love...

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492-Forgiveness is Key to Better Relationships: Interview with Brian & Heather Mayer show art 492-Forgiveness is Key to Better Relationships: Interview with Brian & Heather Mayer

Delight Your Marriage

Forgiveness is Key to Better Relationships: Interview With Brian & Heather Mayer Forgiveness can feel like the most unfair, unnatural thing in the world. When someone has wounded you—especially someone who was supposed to love you—choosing to forgive may feel like letting them off the hook. But Brian and Heather Mayer’s story reminds us: forgiveness isn’t about the other person’s worthiness—it’s about God’s mercy. And it's the path to freedom, not just for them… but for you. Why Christian Marriages Struggle With Forgiveness Heather didn’t realize how deeply...

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More Episodes

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."