The Care and Keeping of Your Marriage.

    

In my mind marriage is a place, somewhere we choose to dwell and to care for. Hopefully it is somewhere you feel content and at home. However many times we feel out of place, inadequate and frustrated. I believe this happens when we let negative world messages into our hearts and minds instead of what God teaches us about marriage. We should wear blinders to keep us focused on what is ours and what God has given us. This blinder is God's Word. Meditating on what God teaches us about marriage keeps us focused on the right things, and we are less likely to feel frustrated and inadequate when we see ourselves and our spouses in the light of God's word.

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.

 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.

 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.

 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

~Psalm 119:9-16

Our Spouse is our gift from our Heavenly Father. They are our portion in this life and WE are THEIRS.
It is so easy to concentrate on ourselves and forget that we are entrusted with another person's heart and emotions. Please remember when dealing with your marriage and spouse that perfection is not an option and shouldn't be sought after. This will only lead to frustration and discontent with what we have been blessed with. I would also caution against comparing your marriage and spouse to other marriages and people. Our marriages are unique, works of art designed to bring about God's will in our lives. Don't miss out on what God has given you and what He is teaching you by comparing.

My beloved is mine, and I am his...~Song of Solomon 2:16

And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. ~Colossians 3:14

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; ~Ephesians 5:25

One way we can stay content is by "studying" our spouse and our marriage. What unique qualities does your spouse bring into your marriage? How are they special? What have you learned from them and their perspective on life? How does my spouse bring out the best in me? How can I bring out and encourage the best in my spouse? What do you love most about your marriage? What would you like to see more of in your relationship with your spouse?

But godliness with contentment is great gain. ~I Timothy 6:6

Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.~James 4:2

There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.
~Proverbs 19:21

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. ~Proverbs 3:5-6

Acknowledge that your marriage is unique. It has it's own personality and set of characteristics that make it unique and special. Marriages are not mass produced and should not be a product of our society's ideals or lack thereof. Just as you cannot compare a Rembrandt to a Monet because they are special and should be appreciated on their own uniqueness and merit. So it should be with our marriages. Each marriage is precious in God's sight for it's own unique reasons.