Tuesday, MAY 17, 2022

DAY 16

REJOICE!

by Yolanda Darville

“…Then God will rejoice over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride.” —Isaiah 62:5

“A quarter of a century later, you’re still my best friend and the most extraordinary man I know.” This was the note that Michelle Obama wrote to her husband, President Barack Obama on their 25th wedding anniversary.

Throughout his presidency, it was no secret that President Obama thought just as highly of his wife. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, he said “Obviously I couldn’t have done anything that I’ve done without Michelle. Not only has she been a great first lady, she is just my rock.”

Many have labeled the Obamas “couple goals.” But it may be more accurate to call their public love affair “communication goals.” We have all witnessed how they communicate their admiration for each other.

You don’t have to be public figures to achieve these communication goals in your own marriage. You just have to make the effort to rejoice over your spouse.

The dictionary defines the word rejoice as “to feel joy or great delight.”
When was the last time that you verbally expressed your delight in your spouse? Does the world know how much joy your husband or wife brings to your life?

As married couples, we should be expressing our delight in our husband or wife as often as possible. These expressions of love and encouragement show your spouse that you are proud to be connected to them. It sends the message that you see their efforts.

Whether your spouse is the president or prime minister or an everyday Jane or Joe, there is no accolade that will ever be sweeter to them than your encouraging words.

Your words have the power to create intimacy, joy and an unbreakable bond in your marriage. Make the commitment today to rejoice over your spouse daily and watch your marriage grow like a garden in full bloom.

Prayer

Father, open our eyes to see the good in our spouse daily. Give us the courage to be vulnerable and loving enough to encourage them in the good times and the bad. Give us a heart to rejoice over our spouses and shower them with praise just as you rejoice over each of your children. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Reflection

1. Take some time to think about what makes you proud of your husband or wife.
2. Find an opportunity this week to publicly rejoice over your spouse in front of your friends or family.