A good marriage takes effort. When two - usually opposite
- personalities combine under one roof, they often end up donning the boxing
gloves and duking it out! Of course there is a simpler solution.
God gives us these diverse personalities and gifts,
because together we can make wiser decisions. When we are at an impasse, we
take the best from both of us and make a third, mutually agreeable choice which
makes so much more sense.
By keeping our eyes on Jesus, we find God's perspective
and will, and we walk together in peace through His Spirit. We find comfort and
wisdom from God's Word and encourage one another (Psalm 119:71, 75-76).
We join our strengths and help one another to overcome
our individual weaknesses. This takes humility, and pride will only gum up the
works. Having to be right and the need to have one's own needs met first are no
basis for wise decisions - they are part of our insecurities.
Together we help each other overcome our idiosyncrasies
and failings and guarantee that our unified decisions are in God's will. Rather
than accuse and fight when we disagree, we can brainstorm for that third
alternative.
Trials and tribulation are easier to handle when faced
together. Our frustration, discouragement and disappointments are shared by
someone who loves us unconditionally. We comfort each other in our self-doubt.
God has a purpose in every trial, and He plants the seed
for a miracle in each one of them (1 Peter 4:12). He works out all of them for our ultimate
good. Both partners in the marriage are blessed as we keep each other strong
and face life's devastating events as lovers and friends.
Our intimacy with God and with one another strengthens
through every trial, which we face together. We learn to depend on one another
rather than to fight one another; and together we depend on God's goodness more
than on our own resources.
Prayer:
Father God, the difficulties and perplexities of life
often wear us down and cause us to adopt defense mechanism, which cause
negative issues in our marriage. Help us to heal from our personal, unresolved
conflicts and to dwell with each other with understanding (1 Peter 3:7). Satan
may influence our past, but we do not have to allow him to continue to hinder
our present or future life. Help us to draw near to You and to resist Satan's
lies, so he will flee from us (James 4:7).
Thank You for linking us with a mate who will strengthen
our weaknesses, help us to heal from our past hurts and challenge us to seek Your
joy and comfort. Teach us not to attempt to change our mate, but to change our
self and to rely on You to meet our needs. Help us to work together as a couple
to live in unity with Your Spirit and with one another.
Thought for the Day:
Momentary trials lead to long-term blessings, which last
a lifetime when we depend on one another and on God to see us through them.
