Psalm 37:7, "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him..."

Think

We've learned that communication is key to a winning marriage. But it's important to understand that communication is more than just about one person speaking and the other person listening. In fact, many times it is all about WHEN communication occurs. The teacher in Ecclesiastes recognized this when he wrote, "...a time to be silent and a time to speak"  (Ecclesiastes 3:7b). To communicate effectively, we need to understand that some times are better than others to deliver information. While it's natural to want to be heard when YOU want to speak, recognize that the person you are speaking to may not be ready to listen at that time. When distractions and other stressors are present, that may not be the right time to talk about more complex issues. In fact, it could create unnecessary conflict. Communicating TIMELY is one of the keys to being heard and understood in any winning relationship. This is a practice that we learn best from our relationship with God. He teaches us the art of timely communication. When we always connect with Him on the run, it will be hard to hear Him. When we take the time to be still and listen, we can hear Him speak to our heart. When it comes to your marriage, model that. Take the time to be still in your marriage in order to listen to each other.

Act

Practice the art of timely communication by being intentional in your relationship with God. Be still and allow Him to speak to you. Now apply this practice to your marriage by being intentional with each other and making time to communicate.

Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me the ability to communicate with You. Help me to be still in order to hear Your voice as You speak to my heart. As I communicate with my spouse, help me to be attentive and recognize the best time to communicate. Help me to not only speak clearly, but to also listen with an open heart. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.