Gentlemen, for those of you who are married, I hope that this day finds you reflecting on and enjoying the life that you share with your wife.  I hope you savor her, and take a little bit longer today to appreciate every little thing that she is and does that makes you glad to be hers.  I hope you're brought to your knees in thanksgiving before the Lord, when you think about the home and the family that He's given to you, in spite of yourself.  I hope you will "always be enraptured with her love" (Proverbs 5:19).  I hope you don't try to go out to eat tonight, because the crowds are going to be a nightmare.  You need to go to church anyway.

I'm sorry to acknowledge that for some married men, Valentine's Day, like every other day, is a hassle.  It's an ironic reminder that things aren't as they should be.  There are any number of reasons why marriage and home may not be happy places.  I do know one thing, though (in fact, I like to think I know a few things).  No matter how bad things may be, whether it's your fault or hers, we can surrender ourselves to obedience to the Word of God.  Proverbs 5:15-19 is proof that the Lord intends for us to be satisfied in marriage.  And we can know that obedience to His Word is the best way to get there.  

The Bible teaches wives to be subject to their husbands, honoring and submitting to them (Ephesians 5:22-33, Colossians 3:18, I Peter 3:1).  But, what if your wife won't do those things?  The best course of action is to look at ourselves in the mirror (James 1:22-25) and take stock, asking ourselves whether or not we need to change to make things better.  Are you loving your wife, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25-30)?  Have you left the old life of a single man and been joined to your wife, becoming one flesh with her (Genesis 2:24)?  Are you embittered against her (Colossians 3:19)?  Are you living with your wife in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, and showing her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life (1 Peter 3:7)?  Are you being "harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead" (1 Peter 3:8-9)?  

I can't make any promises, but if we'll do those things, she'll have a much easier time being a good wife.  Repentance may be necessary.  That's a good thing.  Do it today.