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Making Marriage Work
Previously published as Help Me, I'm Married , Making Marriage Work offers Joyce's insights on how to make a marriage succeed, thrive, and bless the lives of entire families.
Joyce shares with married couples how God can transform a marriage. Whether newly wed, happily married, in a marriage crisis, or just in a relationship rut, Joyce's principles will help energize and revitalize a relationship.
Discover how
Take the focus off yourself and your spouse and look to the Lord
Unleash powerful truths from God's Word for you and your marriage
Understand the opposite sex
Overcome roadblocks to a triumphant marriage
Live successfully with an insecure person
Create peace and order in your heart and in your home.
Joyce's practical, how-to advice will guide couples along the path to releasing God's power on their lives, and in their marriage.
Joyce shares with married couples how God can transform a marriage. Whether newly wed, happily married, in a marriage crisis, or just in a relationship rut, Joyce's principles will help energize and revitalize a relationship.
Discover how
Take the focus off yourself and your spouse and look to the Lord
Unleash powerful truths from God's Word for you and your marriage
Understand the opposite sex
Overcome roadblocks to a triumphant marriage
Live successfully with an insecure person
Create peace and order in your heart and in your home.
Joyce's practical, how-to advice will guide couples along the path to releasing God's power on their lives, and in their marriage.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published July 27, 2006
88 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Joyce Meyer
1,619 books3,911 followersJoyce Meyer is a New York Times bestselling author and one of the world's leading Bible teachers. Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, she teaches practically and candidly, openly sharing her experiences and helping millions of people to apply biblical principles to their situations and ultimately find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ. Her book Battlefield of the Mind has been a perennial bestseller, teaching people how to win the war in their minds and “think about what they think about.”
Joyce’s Enjoying Everyday Life program is broadcast to millions worldwide in 114 languages. She has also authored over 150 books, which have been translated into over 170 combined languages, including Battlefield of the Mind, which has sold over 7 million copies across the globe. We’ve also distributed over 43.5 million books around the world.
A survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Joyce discovered how to overcome the emotional pain of her troubled past and experience true joy, hope, and healing by applying God’s Word to her life. Her passion is to help others do the same. For more than 40 years, Joyce has held conferences across the United States and around the world, teaching God’s Word and sharing the message of Christ with millions. Joyce also encourages millions each day through social media and online efforts and resources at joycemeyer.org
Joyce’s passion to help people who are hurting is the foundation of Hand of Hope, the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Each year, Hand of Hope provides millions of meals for the hungry and malnourished, installs freshwater wells in poor and remote areas, provides critical relief after natural disasters, and offers free medical and dental care to thousands through their hospitals and clinics worldwide. Through their Project GRL initiative, they rescue women and children from human trafficking, provide safe places where they can receive an education and nutritious meals, and seek to let all girls everywhere know they are loved and valued by God.
In 2023, Joyce founded Hope Mountain Ranch, an 800-acre refuge in Mount Pleasant, Utah. Inspired by her own personal journey, Hope Mountain Ranch is a place where people can experience the transformative power of God and find hope and healing. It also serves as the hub for Joyce Meyer Ministries’ outreaches across the United States.
Joyce’s Enjoying Everyday Life program is broadcast to millions worldwide in 114 languages. She has also authored over 150 books, which have been translated into over 170 combined languages, including Battlefield of the Mind, which has sold over 7 million copies across the globe. We’ve also distributed over 43.5 million books around the world.
A survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Joyce discovered how to overcome the emotional pain of her troubled past and experience true joy, hope, and healing by applying God’s Word to her life. Her passion is to help others do the same. For more than 40 years, Joyce has held conferences across the United States and around the world, teaching God’s Word and sharing the message of Christ with millions. Joyce also encourages millions each day through social media and online efforts and resources at joycemeyer.org
Joyce’s passion to help people who are hurting is the foundation of Hand of Hope, the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Each year, Hand of Hope provides millions of meals for the hungry and malnourished, installs freshwater wells in poor and remote areas, provides critical relief after natural disasters, and offers free medical and dental care to thousands through their hospitals and clinics worldwide. Through their Project GRL initiative, they rescue women and children from human trafficking, provide safe places where they can receive an education and nutritious meals, and seek to let all girls everywhere know they are loved and valued by God.
In 2023, Joyce founded Hope Mountain Ranch, an 800-acre refuge in Mount Pleasant, Utah. Inspired by her own personal journey, Hope Mountain Ranch is a place where people can experience the transformative power of God and find hope and healing. It also serves as the hub for Joyce Meyer Ministries’ outreaches across the United States.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 31, 2024
"If you want to be the queen in your home, treat your husband like the king. If men want to be the king in their homes, they should treat their wives like queens" (pg. 168).
I have read so many Joyce Meyer books - but "Making Marriage Work" was truly a special read! I think it was one of her best books yet and I highly recommend it! Joyce shares an in-depth look into her dating - engagement - marriage with Dave, even sharing wedding photos and pictures from their early years in ministry. There are stories that Joyce shares that I have never heard before! Joyce is very honest and vulnerable telling such personal stories - the good and the bad times. She talks about what was said and what was done to fix and resolve their tumultuous marriage including real arguments, struggles with money, work issues, the frustrations of building a ministry, etc.
She opens every chapter with a Bible verse and uses Scripture through her text. Joyce shares such truths such as: God's Love is the Beginning of Romance, Happiness is your own Responsibility, Stay Focused on the Promise, Count to Ten before you Speak, Rejoice over Small Changes, Identify the Time for Silence and when to Speak up (to name a few!). "Often people marry hoping that the other person can make them happy. But marriage must be looked at from the viewpoint of giving, not getting" (pg. 169). Joyce talks about how to live a Holy Life, how to get rid of strife and how to help an insecure partner. Chapter Ten is all about the bedroom intimacies for married couples. Chapter Fifteen shares insight to the four major personality types which highlight individual strengths and weaknesses. In Chapter Twenty, Joyce opens up about raising kids and offers parenting advice.
"When you are married to somebody long enough, and your love has grown, you may get to the point where you think your spouse is perfect after all" (pg. 224).
I have read so many Joyce Meyer books - but "Making Marriage Work" was truly a special read! I think it was one of her best books yet and I highly recommend it! Joyce shares an in-depth look into her dating - engagement - marriage with Dave, even sharing wedding photos and pictures from their early years in ministry. There are stories that Joyce shares that I have never heard before! Joyce is very honest and vulnerable telling such personal stories - the good and the bad times. She talks about what was said and what was done to fix and resolve their tumultuous marriage including real arguments, struggles with money, work issues, the frustrations of building a ministry, etc.
She opens every chapter with a Bible verse and uses Scripture through her text. Joyce shares such truths such as: God's Love is the Beginning of Romance, Happiness is your own Responsibility, Stay Focused on the Promise, Count to Ten before you Speak, Rejoice over Small Changes, Identify the Time for Silence and when to Speak up (to name a few!). "Often people marry hoping that the other person can make them happy. But marriage must be looked at from the viewpoint of giving, not getting" (pg. 169). Joyce talks about how to live a Holy Life, how to get rid of strife and how to help an insecure partner. Chapter Ten is all about the bedroom intimacies for married couples. Chapter Fifteen shares insight to the four major personality types which highlight individual strengths and weaknesses. In Chapter Twenty, Joyce opens up about raising kids and offers parenting advice.
"When you are married to somebody long enough, and your love has grown, you may get to the point where you think your spouse is perfect after all" (pg. 224).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2021
Overall, I think this is a good book that will help your marriage. A key message is to find agreement and common ground. Joyce talks about the strengths and weaknesses of different personality types. Try to focus on the positive and strengths. Husbands and wives are to cleave to each other according to scripture. There is no greater promise than marriage vows. "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” Ephesians 5:31 A good marriage is a tremendous blessing from God.
Joyce Meyer, who grew up in an abusive home, is a divorcee. She discusses how her traumatic childhood impacted her marriage. There was abuse, anger, frustration, manipulation and strife in her first marriage. Her second husband had a lot of patience according to Joyce. Putting God first, loving God and trusting God helped her reverse course and improve her second marriage. Joyce began to depend on God and not her husband for happiness. She focused getting away from selfishness and helping her second husband. Selfishness can ruin a marriage. Joyce talks about the importance of the Holy Spirit as well. Marriage is a partnership that requires compromise and giving things away. "For the Lord God of Israel says That He hates divorce, For it covers one’s garment with violence, Says the Lord of hosts. “Therefore take heed to your spirit, That you do not deal treacherously." Malachi 2:16
Getting rid of bitterness, grudges and avoiding pointless arguments is important. Couples need to strive for forgiveness and unity. Obedience to God leads to unity. Forgetting the past can help as well. Joyce talks about the importance of having Christ at the center of a marriage, a healthy sexual relationship (in a marriage), humility, finding a place of agreement, kindness, listening, loving and appreciating differences , spending time together and unity. The author discusses keeping silent when angry, tired nor under unusual duress. The Bible says that being well balanced and temperate is key. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father" James 1:17 The author discusses keeping silent when angry, tired nor under unusual duress. The Bible says that being well balanced and temperate is key. I recommend this book for those who want to improve their marriage.
Bible Quotes:
"Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." Galations 5:26
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8
“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18: 19-20
"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." 1 Corinthians 13 (4-7)
"A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit." Proverbs 15:4
"But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with Him in spirit." 1 Corinthians 6:17
"Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers." 1 Peter 3:17
Joyce Meyer, who grew up in an abusive home, is a divorcee. She discusses how her traumatic childhood impacted her marriage. There was abuse, anger, frustration, manipulation and strife in her first marriage. Her second husband had a lot of patience according to Joyce. Putting God first, loving God and trusting God helped her reverse course and improve her second marriage. Joyce began to depend on God and not her husband for happiness. She focused getting away from selfishness and helping her second husband. Selfishness can ruin a marriage. Joyce talks about the importance of the Holy Spirit as well. Marriage is a partnership that requires compromise and giving things away. "For the Lord God of Israel says That He hates divorce, For it covers one’s garment with violence, Says the Lord of hosts. “Therefore take heed to your spirit, That you do not deal treacherously." Malachi 2:16
Getting rid of bitterness, grudges and avoiding pointless arguments is important. Couples need to strive for forgiveness and unity. Obedience to God leads to unity. Forgetting the past can help as well. Joyce talks about the importance of having Christ at the center of a marriage, a healthy sexual relationship (in a marriage), humility, finding a place of agreement, kindness, listening, loving and appreciating differences , spending time together and unity. The author discusses keeping silent when angry, tired nor under unusual duress. The Bible says that being well balanced and temperate is key. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father" James 1:17 The author discusses keeping silent when angry, tired nor under unusual duress. The Bible says that being well balanced and temperate is key. I recommend this book for those who want to improve their marriage.
Bible Quotes:
"Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." Galations 5:26
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8
“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18: 19-20
"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." 1 Corinthians 13 (4-7)
"A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit." Proverbs 15:4
"But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with Him in spirit." 1 Corinthians 6:17
"Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers." 1 Peter 3:17
March 13, 2023
Practical advice
I really enjoyed learning about ways to improve my marriage. I especially appreciate the transparency and experiences that I am able to actually relate to. I would recommend.
I really enjoyed learning about ways to improve my marriage. I especially appreciate the transparency and experiences that I am able to actually relate to. I would recommend.
April 5, 2022
Love this book, it has given me a better outlook on my marriage.
October 11, 2024
Good, Godly wisdom. Joyce has an easy style but with hard hitting truths.
Read
April 2, 2025It didn’t make my marriage work, and I think that’s for good! Some marriages just shouldn’t work.
November 7, 2015
Verbose and tangential
I thoroughly enjoy Joyce Meyer. However this book was in need of a thorough editor. Much of the content was great, however it was needlessly repetitive. I struggled at times to push my way through it due the meandering. I've read quite a few titles and this one just felt like it was hobbled together from several sources. As a consequence it never moved me the same way her others have.
However her core advice is great. It's simply that it could be reduced to less than 150 pages. There is a lot of filler here.
I thoroughly enjoy Joyce Meyer. However this book was in need of a thorough editor. Much of the content was great, however it was needlessly repetitive. I struggled at times to push my way through it due the meandering. I've read quite a few titles and this one just felt like it was hobbled together from several sources. As a consequence it never moved me the same way her others have.
However her core advice is great. It's simply that it could be reduced to less than 150 pages. There is a lot of filler here.
December 25, 2016
Meyer takes us through some excellent strategies for a strong, healthy and loving marriage with reference to biblical verses. There are interesting chapters such different types of personalities working together in a team in marriage. Highly recommended for anyone at any stage of your life and marriage. It may be for those who would like to be married in the future, newlyweds as a good foundation or those who have been together for a long time and would like some time to reflect or incorporate making some positive changes. Happy reading!
February 6, 2017
This book opened my eyes as to how I should be as a wife. It would be helpful for husbands to read as well but Joyce points out later in the book that it is likely that women are reading the book more than men are. You can only change yourself. There are so many helpful insights in here that I used a highlighter (and I never defame books!). She also tells the importance of a good relationship being a priority over children. I recommend this read for couples in every stage of marriage or pre-marriage.
September 13, 2008
I'm a newlywed and this book really help me to understand that marriage is equal and that sometimes I just need to keep my mouth shut. Great for all couples
June 5, 2012
EXCELLENT READ
January 12, 2014
I really loved the simplicity of this book. I definitely will be reading this again to refresh my memory!!
June 12, 2014
Joyce is so uplifting and spot on with her suggestions.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews