Get the appThe Mended Rib: A 27-Day Devotional for Men Battling Lust and InfidelitySample
Restoring The Joy
Lust and infidelity can strip the joy from your marriage, leaving it feeling cold, distant, and disconnected. But God desires for your marriage to be filled with joy, delight, and deep connection. Joy doesn’t come from perfect circumstances—it comes from a decision to actively seek it by cherishing the blessings that your spouse brings into your life. When you intentionally invest in your relationship—through affection, meaningful conversations, and quality time—joy can be restored. It’s not just an emotion but a deliberate choice to see and delight in the partner God has given you. As you work to rebuild trust and intimacy, pray for God to reignite the joy you once had and to deepen the love between you.
In my own marriage, restoring joy meant choosing to engage in activities my wife loved, even when they weren’t my personal preference—and doing it with a good attitude. For example, slow dancing isn’t my thing, but my wife enjoys it. So, I started indulging her desire to dance, whether in the living room or wherever we found a moment. It wasn’t about the act itself but about creating moments of connection.
I also found joy in embracing her world more intentionally—whether it was watching her favorite show together or participating in a hobby she enjoys. It wasn’t about the activity itself, but about making her happiness a priority. And in that, I found the joy that had once been lost in our marriage.
Choosing to prioritize your spouse’s happiness often opens the door to rediscovering the joy and love that God intended for your relationship.
Challenge
Do something today that brings joy to your wife. Whether it’s a date, a small gift, or simply expressing your appreciation, intentionally invest in her and ask God to restore the joy in your relationship.
Prayer
Father, I ask You to restore the joy in my marriage. Help me to rejoice in the wife You’ve given me and to invest in our relationship with love, grace, and intentionality. Amen.
About this Plan
Through this 27-day devotional, Don Hopkins leads you on a journey toward healing—healing for you, your wife, and your marriage. Each day is designed to lead you closer to freedom, redemption, and reconciliation. I won’t sugarcoat it: the road ahead requires honesty, humility, and hard work. But as you lean into the tools shared in this bible plan and God’s grace, you will discover that He provides the strength to overcome lust and rebuild trust in your marriage.
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