July 31, 2016

Drastic Measures

Written by Boyd Bailey

Drastic Measures 7.31

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 31, 2016

We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. Acts 27:18-19

Some situations call for drastic measures, such that you cannot continue as usual or you will miss an opportunity to make major adjustments. Figuratively speaking, your boat needs to be lightened for you to stay afloat. This may apply to finances. Because of your increase in debt and your decrease in income, your spending must be drastically curtailed. Your lifestyle cannot continue to rise on the back of credit cards and equity lines. This straw house of credit will collapse one day under the weight of one small crisis. One misstep can cause everything to quickly tumble down.

God’s best is not for you to live on the verge of financial frustration and failure. Start now and pay down debt while you can. Your next job may not be as financially friendly. Prepare today for tomorrow’s turmoil. It is not a question of if things can go wrong, but when things will go wrong. Adversity has a way of revealing bad habits. Success can mask mistakes but failures bring them  front and center. Don’t risk your relational wellbeing for the sake of stuff. “Simple” equals “Freedom,” but “Complex” can be “Bondage.” Maybe you need to lower your stress by lessening your commitments.

Each season of life calls for re-evaluation of what’s needed. The needs of an empty nest marriage are much different than when the children scurried all through the house. This is especially difficult for a wife who has drawn emotional strength and security from the love of the children. She feels insecure and less significant when the kids are no longer under the roof, waiting to be mothered. Yes, she needs the love of her heavenly Father, but she desperately needs the love of her earthly husband. It is during this season of major transition in motherhood that a wise husband loves more. It may mean taking drastic measures in how you love your wife. She needs your love in ways that she defines as love. It probably means more communication, sensitivity, and service. Do not let her frustrations and anger make you defensive or cause you to shut down. She wants to connect. She is longing for love that only you can give.

You may need to give up a hobby or ministry role for a season. Margin may be the best medicine for your marriage right now. Don’t ignore this need for major adjustments in how you love and respect your spouse. Take initiative to avoid becoming another divorce statistic or just apathetically coexisting. If you don’t listen and understand her fears and insecurities, someone else will. Be willing to sacrifice career success for the sake of your spouse. Say no to the promotion or to added responsibilities. Take her away, just the two of you, for a long weekend. She needs to know that she matters the most to you. Brag on her beauty. Value her ideas and opinions. Take drastic measures if that is what’s needed, because the status quo will kill your marriage. You can do much more than maintain your marriage; so take drastic measures, if necessary.

The Bible teaches, “Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control” (1 Corinthians 7:5)

 

Related Reading

  Today’s reading is taken from Boyd’s most popular book: Seeking Daily the Heart of God, a 365 day devotional. Check out Boyd’s newest devotional book Two Minutes in the Bible Through PsalmsOrder now! If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision. Learn how to help. Our free Apple app      Our free Android app

Comments

  1. Betty Dipboye says:

    I always feel like I’ve missed out on even more of a devotional experience when the Musical Resource is omitted. Music touches me in a special way. i also have seen many styles of worship music through this site. I would like to see it included with every Daily Devotional.

  2. Gwynne says:

    Dear Betty,
    Thank you for taking the time to reach out to us with your lovely suggestion. Please know that I will pass it along to our staff, but honestly, I am not sure we can have a musical resource for every devotional. We certainly try to add one as much as possible.
    I love what you stated “Music touches me in a special way”. What a blessing that is! I must agree with you, there are many times with a specific song comes on and I just know God wants me to hear it at that exact moment. Bettye, don’t you believe HE speaks to us through music?
    Thank you again. We are grateful that you are part of the Wisdom Hunter’s family.
    Praising Him,
    Gwynne

    “Shout for joy to the Lords, all the earth.
    Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before Him with joyful songs.” Psalm 100:2

    “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.”
    James 5:13


Comments are closed.

Recent Posts