Marriage is an interesting institution. When most of us said “I do,” we probably imagined growing old together in a blissful union that would only improve with every passing year. Maybe we saw ourselves in 40 years, rocking together on the front porch, smiling as our grandkids or great-grandkids visit on holidays.
But that vision of happily-ever-after can begin to get cloudy five to 10 years into a marriage, as the responsibilities of work and family life begin to press in upon us, and quality time together naturally declines. Add to that a good number of our married friends who begin to divorce around this time, and a culture that mostly portrays long-term married couples as bickering foes rather than faithful lovers, and marital bliss is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when we imagine being together for a lifetime.
“and they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Mark 10:8-9 KJV
When a man and a woman enter the marriage relationship, God declares that two separate. Individual persons become one flesh—united spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Paul declared it a “great mystery.”
God has a plan for each husband and wife individually, but He also has a purpose for your marriage. This is the vehicle He has chosen to mirror His union with His bride, the church. Holy matrimony becomes just that—a divine covenant God sanctifies to use for His sacred purposes.
As two people come together, it requires more than the hazy infatuation of romantic love. To stay married is a decision to stay together and a willingness to work through all the changing circumstances of life, and a couple needs to be one even in their minds, like the people building the tower of babel, for marriage to be able to thrive the way its designed to.
It calls for an act of the will to submit to God and to one another. Women are not the only ones called to submit to husbands, the bible admonishes both partners to submit to one another in Ephesians 5. It demands discipline to set aside selfish desires and prioritize the benefit of the other person, to work towards the interest of the team. It requires intentionality and determination. And as any spouse can attest, it is hard work!
When two people live together in unity, God commands His blessing. And that blessing will be visited upon any children or grandchildren whom He gives you! When you build your relationship upon the foundation of Christ Jesus, He will prosper your family and determine your outcome. God said Abraham would order his house after him and he did and today we as the children of Abraham are reaping the benefit.
What foundation are you building your relationship and marriage on? Peter said, “do not deal treacherously with your spouse that your prayers not be hindered “. Even your prayer can be affected if your relationship isn’t functioning on oneness.
Commit yourself to the Lord and to the spouse whom He has gifted to you. Seek to outdo one another in sacrificial love. Yours will be a home filled with God’s presence, peace, and power with a love which knows no ending.
Have a wonderful day!
Xo
Zoe🌟