Thriving in marriage

We all know the scriptures surrounding marriage. We all know that marriage is a big deal. We all know that in God’s eyes marriage is a lifetime commitment. But everyday subtle messages are fed to us that marriage is not what God has said about it, marriage is not that big of a deal and really you are probably better off if you leave the marriage, it’s not worth the fight. 

So what are we to do with these conflicting messages? What are we to do when the society around us has lost its way and turned its back on the truth? Well, we have no option but to press in to Jesus even more! Marriage is not meant to be easy. It is two imperfect, sinful humans coming together agreeing to live life together. We both bring baggage, expectations and hurt into the marriage. It is normal to ebb and flow through joy and easy times and strife and hardship. 

So with all of this, how do we work towards thriving in our marriage? Through the busyness of life, the constant needs of kids, relentless demands at work, house projects, bills and loving and supporting our community? It seems as though marriage can easily slip down the priority list without us even realizing it until we find ourselves struggling to love our spouse and wow when was the last time we actually talked? I can’t remember! 

Well, it is not an easy answer and one that many will turn their back on, but we simply must make the decision that it is a priority and we must be willing to change our lifestyle to match that decision. If our marriage is a priority, then we cannot watch a screen after the kids are asleep every single night. If our marriage is a priority, we cannot go months on end with no date night. If our marriage is a priority, we cannot go about life without having meaningful conversations and making decisions together as a team. We have to move marriage up on the priority list and not let it slip down continually. We must be willing to live life differently than those around us regardless! We must be willing to believe God and follow His lead regardless!

At the end of the day, we all know our marriage is worth the fight. Even if we are in strife and struggling through each and every day, we chose to marry our husbands for a reason. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves of those reasons and pray, pray and pray some more! Sometimes we simply need to let loose and have fun together. Sometimes we need to have a serious conversation and both come to the conversation with open hearts and a willingness to change. And sometimes we simply need to continue on in prioritizing our marriage and loving our husband! Regardless of where we currently find ourselves, thriving in marriage is possible with God. It is possible if we both pursue Jesus and keep our hearts from hardening. It is possible if we both decide to love regardless and prioritize each other. It all starts with a decision. And that decision is to prioritize and care. Be willing to put in the effort. So make that decision today! Spend time in prayer to keep your heart, and decide to love your husband through it all.