We imagine everyone else's marriage is SO good and only our marriage is filled with turmoil - and it's HIS fault!
Haha!! That is a great statement because it resounds over and over in many marriages.
My friend Marla sent this article .. it tells us that the key to a good marriage is our relationship with God. The more we trust God with our life, the closer we will feel towards HIM. As a result ... all of our relationships are better ...
When our lives are based on our relationship with God and not what our spouse or other relationship can provide, we have peace.
""Your word is
a lamp to my feet And a light to my path." Psalm 119:105 (NAS)
A joyful wedding party celebrated the new couple on an evening
wrapped in good cheer and candlelight.
The bride and her father danced, followed by the groom and his
mother. Adoring eyes framed the room.
Finally, couples young and old hit the dance floor. After a few
musical notes, the DJ announced, "All couples married a year or less, step
off the dance floor." Then he asked those married five years or less to
take their leave. And so the invitation, to make room for couples married 10,
20, 30 years, continued.
While dancing with my husband, I noticed how few people
remained.
"40 years!" The DJ broadcast to us last three couples
dancing.
When the song ended, our friends, their children - now young
adults - and our son, reached out with high-fives, pats on the back, and
"Congratulations!"
Many asked, "How romantic ... what's your secret to staying
together?"
The question came as no surprise and their idealic vision of
marriage made me smile.
Romantic? Not so much. I would describe our years together as
lots of tears shed over misunderstandings. Selfishness. Loneliness. Hard and
difficult times, pushing through emotions I didn't understand.
Painful words. Challenging moments. Loads of opportunities to
compromise. We were stubborn - both of us! As I look over my shoulder on the
past 42 years, I know the real glue that has kept us together has been God and
the power of His Word.
When I wanted to criticize my husband for offenses real and
imagined, I read that love keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5).
When I felt lonely, I read that God was with me (Zephaniah
3:17).
When I thought I was right and my husband was wrong, I read that
I shouldn't think too highly of myself (Romans 12:2-4).
When the daily grind of work, chores, errands drained me and my
wild heart longed for more, I read that when I leaned on the Lord, through Him,
I could get through anything (Philippians 4:13)
Marriage is like a triangle. Want to grow close to your man?
Grow closer to God. As both of you reach upward you'll not only come close to
God, you'll grow closer to each other. And if you are in a marriage where your
husband doesn't want to draw near to the Lord, you keep on anyhow. In Him,
you'll find the support, love and hope your heart desires.
A long time ago I was a young bride, asking older married women
for advice. I heard a lot of things like keep the fun and adventure in your
marriage. "Life is a gift," my mother taught me. "Don't let the
sun go down on your anger," Daddy shared with me. "Know your
husband" a friend encouraged me. Understanding my man's personality and
love language taught me about conflict and acceptance.
I wouldn't hesitate to share any of these wise words to
newlyweds. But the very BEST advice I learned along the way?
The greatest
marriage counselor and guide is God and His Word.
Marriage can be hard, but it's easier when we spend more time
focusing on God's encouraging truths and less time concentrating on our
husband's faults.
Today, let's start a practice of turning to the Bible for
answers about our marriage, thanking God for our husband and the Lord for His
wisdom.
Father God, You alone are perfect. Help me to keep
my eyes on You. I know that no one is an easy forever-partner. Remind me daily
to curb my critical spirit. Teach me to see my husband through Your eyes. In
Jesus' Name I pray, Amen."
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