Two Keys to a Happy Marriage
Almost every marriage starts out as a huge celebration.
Together with their family and friends, each couple is full of hopes and dreams for their future life together. But the road to a happy marriage is far from easy. Today’s divorce statistics show that many couples do not complete the journey together.
People often blame marital struggles on a lack of quality time, bitterness, resentment, or poor communication. Books, articles, and seminars offer many ways to improve these parts of a relationship. Quality time, forgiveness, and communication matter greatly. Yet when these things break down, they often point to a deeper problem. Until a couple addresses that deeper issue, changing outward behaviour alone will not create lasting change.
Put God First
To understand this deeper issue, consider the following Scripture passage:
One of them, an expert in the law, tested Jesus with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied:
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’”
This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it:
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. (Matthew 22:35–40)
Many marital problems begin when one or both partners stop following these two commands. The same is true of every relationship. When we put our own wants ahead of God or our spouse, we invite trouble into the relationship.
Put Your Spouse First
Do you struggle to communicate in your marriage? How often do you focus on listening to your spouse, or to God, instead of demanding more time to speak? Do bitterness and resentment grow in your heart? When did you last bring your spouse before the Lord in prayer and thank God for your relationship?
Do you struggle to find quality time together? Pray with your spouse and ask God how He wants you to use your time. When you pray and listen together, you shift your focus from your own desires to God and your spouse.
As this focus changes, communication can improve, anger and resentment can fade, and you may naturally want to spend more time together. These changes may not happen overnight. Every relationship faces financial pressure, parenting challenges, and problems outside a couple’s control. But when you commit your relationship to God and choose each day to put God and your spouse first, your marriage can weather every storm. You can also find joy and have fun together along the way.
By Kevin Miller
Used by permission.
Invite God Into Your Marriage
Have you struggled to find happiness in your marriage? Consider inviting God to lead your relationship. You and your spouse can pray the following prayer:
“Dear God, thank You so much for bringing us together as a couple. We know that You have a plan and a purpose for our marriage. Lord Jesus, forgive our past self-centeredness and come into our lives and relationship. Direct our steps from now on. Please give us the grace to put You and each other first every day. Make our relationship a blessing to others. Most of all, make it a blessing to You. Amen.”
Are you struggling in your marriage? Whether you prayed this prayer or not, we would love to hear from you, support you, and encourage you. We can also send you helpful links to strengthen your marriage.
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