By: Mandy Hill
1 Peter 5:7-8a -“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert.”
I truly believe that marriage problems fall into the “most swept under the carpet” category; especially in Christian marriages. We have this idea that as Christians we are not allowed to struggle. I don’t know where this idea originated from….but it’s not biblical.
The bible says we will struggle. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
My husband and I have chatted with several couples, over our journey in ministry, who have silently suffered through marital problems; couples too anxious to ask for help in fear of what others may think of them. They’ve remained silent in fear of rejection; or judgement.
The bible also says; “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12) If you have some friends that are suffering in their relationship, pray for their marriage because they’re struggling against the enemy in a slimy disguise. Don’t judge them; the enemy could just as easily choose to battle you. Advocate for them in Jesus name, don’t accuse them.
1 Peter 5:7 says; “Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.”
Sister, are you anxious about your relationship with your spouse?! Do you feel like your marriage is starving for love?! Is it parched for passion?! Cast those anxieties on your Heavenly Father because He so cares for you.
1 Peter 5:8a says; “Be self-controlled and alert.”
We need to be self-controlled and alert. God never intended to control us….if that was the case He never would have made one of the fruits of the spirit ‘self-control’. (see Galatians 5) So while we need to allow God to take away our anxieties and fears of a failed marriage….we also need to insert some self-control.
If your marriage is starving for love; FEED IT! Would you take your car on a road trip without ever intending to fill it with gas?! Feed your marriage with regular dates, words of affirmation, romance and intimacy.
Is your marriage parched for passion?! Keep it well watered by keeping God in the centre. “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'” (John 7:38)
Remember sister, God cares for you SO much. He wants every part of your life to be rich and full of His love. He can handle the anxieties, the fears, the struggles; give them to Him as He requests. Allow Him to fill you with a peace, love and joy that truly satisfies.
Heavenly Father, the gift of marriage is just that; a precious gift. Thank You for my husband and the marriage that you have ordained between us. I am so thankful for the man that you have gifted to me, and I pray that I will never take him for granted. I pray that my sisters and I will do everything we can to keep our marriages well fed and watered! I pray that You will honour and bless every effort that is made to give life to our marriages. Please cause our marriages to flourish and grow; and to You be all the glory! In Jesus name, amen.
{We are His Daughters} 