Grip of Grace

My two year old grandson, William, was here recently and fell in love with a tiny jeep that he fondly called “Jeepy”.  He played with Jeepy all day.

He held it tight so his brother wouldn’t take it. He squeezed it in his hand when we changed his diaper.  And he put it in his pocket and carried it around with him.

Watching William guard Jeepy stirred my heart about guarding that which is precious to me.

What is precious? The very word means valuable, costly, or highly esteemed.

My marriage is so very precious to me.  In a time where marriage is under attack in our society and by the enemy of our souls, we must guard and protect our marriages and relationships.

Do you highly esteem your marriage?

We cannot just sit by and watch  a great marriage happen.  It takes work.

Just as William was guarding and hiding his little car, so must we guard our marriages, hide our relationship in the safety of a relationship with Jesus, and not open the door for the enemy to come in to steal, kill and destroy.

“The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John” 10:10

How do we guard and protect our marriages? Here’s just a few practical thoughts.

1.  Remember that your spouse is not perfect. You knew that, right?  Learn to walk in forgiveness on a day to day basis.  Sometimes it requires a “moment to moment” forgiveness.  Remember sin is sin. We ALL sin and fall short of God’s glory.

2.  Pray for your spouse.  Nothing is accomplished without prayer.   Pray the Word of God over your spouse.  Confess that he/she would hunger for truth and righteousness, hear God’s voice and have a heart to obey, etc.

3.  Have a heart of humility.  There are always 2 sides to a story.  It takes 2 to build relationships.  Ask God what you can do to build up your spouse and not tear them down. Check out Philippians 2:1-3.  It’s a mini marriage manual.

4.  Watch the words that come out of your mouth.  It’s true…. you  can and you will have what you say!   Let your words speak forth what you want God to do in your spouse’s heart.  Could your words be halting the movement of the Holy Spirit in your spouse?

5.  Do not compare your spouse with someone else.  The grass is NOT greener on the other side of the fence.  Neither is it flourishing with the guy at the office or the secretary at the school.  Those are lies from the enemy.  Guard your emotions!  You are in covenant with your spouse in the sight of God the Father.

6.  Ask God to give you fresh love for your spouse. Write little love notes and leave them for each other on the bathroom  mirror or in their car , etc.  My hubby and I text on our phones throughout the day.  It keeps our hearts and minds on each other .  And my heart grows wildly passionate for him each day.

Father I pray for our marriages that You would strengthen the ones that are weak.  That You would bring healing to those areas where we have hurt each other. Where there are broken hearts  bring Your healing balm and help us to be able to forgive.  Give us the courage and the wisdom to do the right thing.  Lord, let forgiveness flow in our relationships.  Teach us to build each other up  and encourage each other.  Give us a fresh love for our spouse and hearts that are filled with joy over our marriages.  Help us to show others that Your grace and Your love can make a difference in our lives.  In Jesus Name. Amen

By: Mary Ulffers

About The Author

Mary Ulffers has written 43 articles on this blog.

Mary is a passionate worshiper of Father God and takes great joy in ministering to women and seeing them walk closer to Jesus. Mary has been married for 35 years to her best friend. They have four grown children that are all married to amazing spouses and they are blessed with six grandchildren that take them over the edge with love and laughter.

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