The highest goal in married life is to follow God’s leadership daily. If you allow Him to do so, God will show the two of you the way to walk and give you the power to take the necessary steps. He will use resources like friends, books, music, and the church to help you. In those hours when no one else - not even your spouse- can help, He assures you of His presence. As David said, “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever” (Psalm 16:11).
No one can ever destroy the deep peace that results from knowing God as Father in the privacy of our hearts. Nothing could bring more security. No human relationship can replace our need to share life with God. He, in turn, will lead us in developing human relationships in which we can love and be loved by others.
The secret to creating a thriving marital relationship is establishing a deep connection with God, individually and as a couple. Give Him a chance to work in and through your lives and your relationships. You’ll be glad you did.
Take some time to pray individually or as a couple. Examine your relationship with your Heavenly Father in His Presence. Talk to Him about areas in which you feel close and others in which you feel distant. Acknowledge that He has authority over your marriage and ask Him to bless your efforts to create intimacy with Him.
If you have more time…
Discuss together or reflect on these questions:
How would you describe your personal relationship with God right now? Why?
What aspects of your relationship have been the most difficult to give up to God’s leadership? Why?
What books, songs, or advisors have influenced your view of God’s leadership?
Consider these passages for further study on following God:
Matthew 26:24-25 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”
25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”
Jesus answered, “You have said so.”
John 8:31-32 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Ephesians 5:1-2 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Psalm 16:1-11 A miktam[a] of David.
1 Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing.”
3 I say of the holy people who are in the land,
“They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”
4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.
I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods
or take up their names on my lips.
5 Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
7 I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithful[b] one see decay.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Great thoughts if Gary Chapman helps us find ways to be a better leader. An encouragement to keep learning and applying what you learn as a leader.