If we look to a marriage partner to give us a sense of worth and to bring happiness, we are looking in the wrong direction. Many have expected a spouse to provide that which only God can give. Peace of mind, inner security, confidence, and a sense of joy do not come from marriage but from an intimate relationship with God.

Psalm 77 is a personal expression of someone going through a major crisis. Note that there is first a description of the pain of being estranged from God and others. But out of that pain, the psalmist turns to God.

God is vitally concerned about you. Jesus's words in Matthew 11:28 are directed to you: "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."

You are weary from much stress. You carry heavy burdens such as guilt, anger, hostility, and anxiety. Notice that Jesus doesn't ask that you lay the burden aside and come to Him but rather that you just come. He has not asked you to handle your own problems, nor has He promised to take away the problems, but He has promised rest.

Take some time to pray individually or as a couple. Thank Him for providing all your needs. Ask Him to protect your marriage from undue strain by reminding you to come to Him for the peace of mind no one else can offer.

If you have more time, discuss together or reflect on these questions:

What do you need more than anything from God right now?

Have you ever looked to your spouse for things only God can give?

How can you work together to find your peace and rest in God?

Consider these passages for further study on Rest:

Psalms 29:11, The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.

Psalms 85:8 I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways.

John 14:27 I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Psalm 77:1-20

I cry out to God; yes, I shout. Oh, that God would listen to me! When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord, All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help.

You don’t let me sleep. I am too distressed even to pray! I think of the good old days, long since ended, when my nights were filled with joyful songs. I search my soul and ponder the difference now.

Has the Lord rejected me forever? Will he never again be kind to me?

Is his unfailing love gone forever? Have his promises permanently failed?

Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he slammed the door on his compassion?

And I said, “This is my fate; the Most High has turned his hand against me.”

But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.

They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.

O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you?

You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations.

By your strong arm, you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

When the Red Sea saw you, O God, its waters looked and trembled! The sea quaked to its very depths.

The clouds poured down rain; the thunder rumbled in the sky. Your arrows of lightning flashed.

Your thunder roared from the whirlwind; the lightning lit up the world! The earth trembled and shook.

Your road led through the sea, your pathway no one knew was there!

You led your people along that road like a flock of sheep, with Moses and Aaron as their shepherds.

Gary Chapman's great thoughts show us that we have resources in the Lord for anything we need. Find your peace in the Lord.