In
a marriage, two individuals are so united that they are actually one flesh.
However, we forget to work together and resolve issues with a unified front. We
pursue our own desires and dreams instead, which places a huge wedge between
us.
God
wants us to humble our self and admit that we need His help. Praying for our
mate and with each other makes a huge difference in our life. Praying for our
mate to be like Christ is much more profitable than nagging.
If
we change by the power of our flesh, we will eventually revert back to our
initial behavior. It is only when God does the work deep within our heart that
a permanent change takes place.
We
can also rationally discuss issues about which we disagree, and pray together
to find a logical solution - a third option to resolve the problem - on which we
both wholeheartedly agree.
Many
times, negative behavior is caused by a deep-seeded wound, which we buried in
our subconscious mind. This pain resurfaces and joins forces with the current
offense until we often over-react to the situation.
Our
mate may look at us as if we are losing our mind; but instead, they need to
pray with us to help us to face our fears and insecurities. This helps us to
find healing from internal conflicts. Our mate may also be influenced by their
own inner wounds that need healing through prayer.
Marriage
and family are supposed to help bring us joy and fulfillment; however, we often
attempt to squeeze our mate and children into our already busy lifestyle. Once
we slow down and make marriage and family our priority, we find much more joy
in our daily life.
God
never tells us to "like" someone; He only tells us to love them with
His Agape love. However, in a marriage, it also helps to like each other. We can
find similar goals, ministries, hobbies, interests, values, etc. to enjoy
together.
When
we focus on our similarities and what we admire about one another, this will
diminish our fault-finding and irritations that the devil so quickly points out
to us. Taking these issues to God in prayer will diminish their importance to
us, and often help us to find a solution for them.
Prayer:
Father
God, help us to focus on our mate's assets, rather than on what we perceive as
their flaws. Remind us that You brought us together so that our individual
strengths will compensate for each other's weaknesses. Humble us so that we can
learn from one another and grow in soul and spirit from our relationship.
Often,
the qualities that attracted us to one another actually become stumbling stones
that etch away at our patience. Remind us that we have our love for You in
common, and that we can build a strong relationship on Your love in us. Help us
to focus on our mate's strengths and Godly character, so that our appreciation
for them will increase.
Thought
for the Day:
A
key ingredient for a successful marriage is prayer, because we are not in
control of our mate's thoughts or behavior; only God can make lasting changes
in both of us that will improve our relationship.
