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We have another wedding in the family coming up soon and it has me thinking today about love.
Young love, old love and all-the-stages-in-between love. The building, the nurturing and the keeping of love.
And how marriage is like a house.
The wedding ceremony reveals the blueprint. A man and woman stand at an altar. There, at the threshold of a new life together, they make promises to each other and to God. They repeat solemn, beautiful words outlining their commitment. As they pray, asking for guidance from the Master Builder, His plans become their plans.
Wisdom tells them that they must construct their house on a firm foundation, one that is strong enough to withstand the storms of life. So they make a covenant, agreeing to build their marriage on the most solid foundation they know, the Rock of Christ. And in this binding of hearts, a candle is lit to symbolize the “two becoming one” (Gen. 2:24). Because unity is the key to successful marriage-building. Family and friends observe, witnesses to the unveiling of this “great mystery” (Eph. 5:32).
Husband and wife fill days and years learning how to make altar vows translate to real life. At first, how to dress windows and walls. Later, how to keep the roof from leaking. All require a “together” mentality and a like-minded faith.
Because life is hard enough without turning the hammer on each other.
And there are other tools that can help create the beautiful, lasting structure of a happy marriage. Tools like shared prayer, bible study and church attendance. I have found this to be true in my own marriage and it seems many others have discovered the same. Don’t believe me? Here is a quote I found on the USA Today website:
“Couples that study Scripture, pray and attend church together are significantly more likely to say they are happy or extremely happy in their marriage, according to new research in the Journal of Marriage and Family.”
So the secret is out. A happy marriage is inevitable when both spouses share the same values, working towards a common goal. And even when rough patches do come, with God’s help, repairs get made more quickly and the house gets stronger.
If this is not the kind of marriage you have at the moment, please be encouraged today that there is hope. Pray to the One who is able to make the seemingly impossible possible. Ultimately, both husband and wife must share a desire to find a resolution to any problem, but there are many resources available to assist in re-building broken hearts and homes, beginning with the Master Builder.
“With God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26b NIV
Whatever you do, try not to forget what is most important. Remember the vows. Remember the candle. Remember unity. This is how to avoid winding up with a marriage shack. As you work together with unified faith and purpose, you and your spouse will be building a marriage mansion and you will find yourself living in a true shelter.
“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:25 NIV
Angel Bowles is a freelance writer, blogger, dreamer, and in her words, “a deep lover of God, my awesome husband and all things chocolate.” She hopes to inspire others by sharing the inspiration she finds in everyday life. Visit her at Finding the Inspiring.
Angel, I love this and am sending this link to people to read.
I love the part about life being hard enough without turning the hammer on each other. SO TRUE. I’m going to remember that line.
You are so right about sharing faith, Bible study, and worship making a happy marriage EXTREMELY happy.
Wonderful post!
Debbie
(at words on wheels)
What a great article on building a marriage.