A Steady Anchor for Your Marriage
My beloved husband and I were once roped into serving as contestants for a homemade version of “The Newlywed Game” in front of a crowd of friends. We were separated, asked silly questions, and then brought back together to guess each other’s answers.
We stumbled over a few of the questions, but when we hit the last one, we had each written the same response, word for word: “I will never leave you.”
With that, we kissed and bounded out of the limelight, satisfied with our finale. What we had then—and continue to have—is a lasting love, based on commitment to Jesus Christ and each other.
If you study Christian couples who’ve been married for decades, you’ll find that problems have driven them closer together rather than pull them apart, that their lifelong partnership is a never-ending vow to cling to each other and care for each other, no matter what.
All romantic relationships ebb and flow in feelings about love. In thickness or thinness, including budgets, hair, and waistlines. In pandemics and in health. When things are going right, and when things go very wrong. When you’re having a wonderful time with your kids one moment and worried sleepless the next.
Our flawed marriages are like boats. We can only stay afloat on stormy seas when we’re anchored together in Jesus Christ, firmly bound with super-glue commitment.
How, then, do you practically live out that kind of commitment in marriage?
First, verbalize it to your spouse. Say “I will never leave you” often enough so that your marriage partner believes you. Saying “I love you” is vital, too.
Next, refuse to entertain any thoughts about another person or about taking an exit ramp from your marriage. Commitment means forsaking all others…just as God has promised He will never leave us. He has told us not to fear or be dismayed in the face of problems, including boredom, anger, and despair. Ask Him to help you build up mutual trust in your daily walk together.
Last, commitment means daily dedicating yourself to serving God by serving your spouse. When you devote time every day to pray for your partner, work hard to be faithful and thankful for your partner, and let go of selfish whims for the sake of your partner, you are living out your commitment and the vows you made to each other at the very beginning.
If you’re seeking a spouse, pray for God to provide someone to be a loving, committed partner to you. Read through some examples of wedding vows, and ask God to prepare you for becoming a faithful, sacrificial mate.
May you find His hope, His guidance, and His wisdom in supporting your marriage—especially in this season of love!
Questions for Reflection:
- Have you ever thought about what the phrase, ‘I will never leave you,” means to your marital relationship with your spouse?
- Have you ever asked God to lead and guide your spouse to be a loving, committed partner to you?
