Pray Till Pentecost – Marriage Devotion (1/5)
In Psalm 85, we get a glimpse of a nation not prospering in their relationship with God. The reason we find out is that they were pursuing the fulfilment of their desires resulting in destructive sin practice. The prayer that it contains is a desire to experience God’s best once again and return to a loving relationship with Him. Describing what it is to experience His love and intimacy verse 10 says,
Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.
I believe this describes the result of right living with God as well as the blessing of a prospering marriage.
The Bible is clear that steadfast love is how God loves us. This, combined with His faithfulness, enables us to experience right-living and whole living as the kiss of Heaven in our lives.
God’s steadfast love is a captivating picture of marriage for us. Steadfast love is a loyal love that is not dependent on the performance of the other person but on a setting of the will to love them no matter what. Steadfast love is determined to be kind regardless of whether or not they deserve it. It is the same Biblical word David uses when he says, ‘your lovingkindness is better than life’ (Psalm 63:3). Lovingkindness brings a faithfulness into your marriage that giving is the focus and not getting, that you strive to serve instead of seeking to be fulfilled.
If a marriage is built on this principle not only does it reflect how God loves us and the relational reality of the Trinity, but it also results in a marriage and home filled with peace.
Hollywood and the world has taught us that love and marriage is about self-fulfilment and personal happiness. However, God shows us a better way to build a marriage. The model He displays for us in Scripture is that our greatest love, joy and peace is found in choosing to serve, love and prefer our spouse above our selves.
If a marriage is built on each person focussed on making the other person in the marriage happy, not only will this be pleasing to God, but it will also result in the kiss of His peace being the bedrock of their home.
Verses to Meditate On
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.”
Above all, constantly echo God’s intense love for one another, for love will be a protective covering over all.
Question
How can you better serve your spouse this week?
