I wish it weren’t so, but the majority of my Biblical counseling sessions are with women who’s marriages are in a crisis.

My heart aches to help them, but I know that I cannot solve anything. No amount of human advice or accountability can fix what’s broken.

Divine intervention is the ticket. There has to be mutual humility, surrender, and commitment from both the husband and the wife. They have to give it all over the the Lord.

It starts with a Biblical foundation. What does the Bible say to us as individuals and how we are to be obedient in relationship? How do we need to repent and rebuild the right way?

My hope is that those who are starting to see cracks can get started on praying these scriptures and applying them to their relationship in advance before things start to break.

12 Scriptures for Struggling Marriages

I have included journal prompts and prayers to go with each scriptural theme of marriage troubles. These are designed to help you reflect, pray honestly, and find healing and strength through God.

When the Relationship Feels Broken:

Use these scriptures to remind you that God is with you and He is your strength. He wants to help, save, and uphold your marriage. Commit by faith to believe the He is and will heal what is broken.

• Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

• Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

When Communication Is Strained:

It’s our default to be heard and to lash out when we’ve been hurt. But the Bible reminds us that love covers a multitude of sins. In God’s kingdom, those who are quick to listen and offer only gentle and helpful words in times of distress are producing His righteousness.

• James 1:19-20: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

• Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

When Forgiveness Feels Hard:

I don’t know your hurt. I know that sometimes we’ve been so deeply wounded by the words or actions of another that it feels like forgiveness and reconciliation could never be possible. However, God called us to forgive just as Jesus has forgiven us so much and given His life for us. It is impossible on our own but with Him all things are possible.

• Ephesians 4:31–32: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger… Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

• Colossians 3:13: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

When Your Fighting Not to Give Up:

Sometimes giving up seems easier. We get tired and no long want to fight. But, God calls us to endure and persevere keeping the faith.

• 1 Corinthians 13:4–7: “Love is patient, love is kind… It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

• Ecclesiastes 4:9–10: “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

• Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

When Anxious Thoughts Set In:

Pray and pray some more! Take all those cares, worries, what ifs, and hurts to the Lord.

• 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

• Philippians 4:6–7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

• Romans 12:12: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Journal Prompts:

• What fears am I carrying about the future of this marriage?
• What would it look like to trust God more in this season?

🙏Prayer:

Lord, I give You my anxious thoughts. I don’t know what the outcome will be, but I choose to trust You with it. Give me Your peace—the kind that passes understanding. Help me stay rooted in You, no matter what storms come. Amen.

How Marriage Struggles Affect Our Children

Reminder: Marriage Is Precious to God

Marriage is incredibly precious to God because it reflects His love, His design, and His covenant with His people. Here’s a breakdown of why marriage matters so much to God, supported by Scripture:

1. God Created Marriage

Marriage was God’s idea from the very beginning—not a human invention.

Genesis 2:24: “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”

God designed marriage as a sacred union between a man and a woman to reflect His glory.

2. Marriage Reflects God’s Covenant Love

Marriage is meant to mirror the faithful, committed love between Christ and His Church.

Ephesians 5:25, 31–32: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her… ‘The two will become one flesh.’ This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.”

Marriage is a living picture of Jesus’ never-ending, sacrificial love. It’s not just about feelings—it’s about promise, grace, and deep connection.

3. Marriage Strengthens Families and Society

Marriage is the foundation for healthy families and communities. It provides a place for children to be raised, for love to be modeled, and for lives to be shaped in safety.

Malachi 2:15: “Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth.”

8 Ways to Model a Christian Marriage for Your Kids

4. Marriage Teaches Us Holiness and Growth

Marriage isn’t just about happiness—it’s about making us holy. It teaches patience, humility, forgiveness, and grace.

1 Corinthians 13:4–7: “Love is patient, love is kind… It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Through marriage, God grows our character and our ability to love like Jesus.

Marriage is precious to God because it’s:

• Designed by Him
• A reflection of His love
• A place to grow and give
• A bond meant to be protected
• A holy covenant, not just a legal agreement

Bonus Couples Devotion: “Bound Together in Grace”

Scripture Reading

Colossians 3:12–14 (NIV)

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another… And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Devotion Thought

Marriage is more than feelings or chemistry—it’s a sacred partnership built on grace. God asks us to “clothe” ourselves with the same things He shows us every day: compassion, patience, humility, and forgiveness.

When tension rises or mistakes are made, grace is what binds us back together. That doesn’t mean ignoring pain or pretending everything is okay—it means choosing love even when it’s hard. When we reflect God’s character in our relationship, healing begins and unity grows.

Reflection & Discussion Questions

Consider sitting together and take turns answering:

1. What does “putting on love” look like in our marriage right now?
2. How have we shown (or needed) compassion and patience recently?
3. Is there any place where forgiveness is needed—either giving it or asking for it?
4. What helps you feel most connected to me spiritually or emotionally?

Praying Together

God, thank You for bringing us together. Help us to love each other like You love us—patiently, kindly, humbly. Where there is hurt, bring healing. Where there is silence, bring gentle words. Teach us to forgive like You forgive. Wrap our marriage in grace and help us grow in unity every day. Be the center of our relationship. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Check out these short couple devotions from Focus on the Family also.