A Prayer to Recommit Your Marriage - Your Daily Prayer - October 4
Your Daily Prayer
Audio By Carbonatix
By Laura Bailey, Crosswalk.com
A Prayer to Recommit Your Marriage
By: Laura Bailey
Bible Reading
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Romans 12:3
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One of my favorite things to do was sit on the porch and chat with my grandmother. In the last few years of her life, God graciously provided many opportunities for me to spend time with her, soaking up decades of life experience that was drenched in faithfulness to the Lord. I remember one day I was sharing with her how sometimes it was difficult to like my husband; sure, I always loved him, but there were some things he did that drove me up the wall!
In her signature cackle, she said, “ I know just what you mean, Laura. But let me tell you a not-so-secret about loving ( and liking) your husband well. Every day, choose to recommit to your marriage.” Confused by her admonishment, I asked her to explain in more detail.
My grandmother, who stayed in a marriage years after learning of my grandfather’s unfaithfulness, shared with me that oftentimes we like to think the decision to love our spouse is dependent on them. In reality, it has less to do with the other person and more with ourselves. Do we have the mindset of Christ, who served and humbled himself for us (Philippians 2:5-11), or are our love and commitment conditional: "If they do this, then I will do that"?
“See, Laura, every day you have a choice in your marriage, to choose humility or self, and that takes a daily commitment,” she smiled.
I often think about her words of encouragement; she references Philippians 2:5-11, and I think about Paul’s words to the church in Rome, which was also struggling with its relationships. Romans 12:3 speaks specifically to Christians in Rome; however, the overall message applies to believers today and to how we should view our spouses. Paul encourages the early church, which was struggling to get along and just barely tolerating one another, to recognize that the mark of a Christ-follower is humility. He tells them, and us today, that we should not think so highly of ourselves; this prideful elevation of self comes at the expense of our relationships and ability to serve others.
Admittedly, when I become irritated with my husband, I am tempted to say, "I love you, but I don’t really like you right now!” This is a result of putting my desires and expectations above my husband. I am not saying we can’t have opinions, that it's wrong to share our frustrations in the hope of reaching a compromise or conclusion.
But what would our marriage look like if we assumed the best in our spouses before we pounced?
What if we elevated their needs over our preferences?
How might our marriage change if we approached our spouses from a position of service and sacrifice instead of expectations and demands?
My grandmother passed away last year, and I deeply grieve our time together on the porch “solving the world's problems,” or at least her helping me to solve mine. But I keep her words with me, and when I am tempted to cast blame, point the finger, or throw myself a pity party, I remember that I have a choice in my marriage. I take a minute and recommit to serving, sacrificing, and loving my husband– to put on the mindset of Christ.
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, thank you for your love; thank you for being always faithful. Lord, I am asking for Your guidance and Your hand over my marriage. Please help me to think more highly of my spouse; let me actively seek to serve them well. I ask that every day I adopt the mindset of Christ and think more highly of others than of myself. I ask that You forgive me when I fall short, and help me to be quick to seek forgiveness from those whom I hurt.
Thank you for the gift of people who speak biblical truth into my life and who push me to live in a way that brings You glory. I love you, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/gorodenkoff
Laura Bailey is an author and Bible teacher who encourages others to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Laura holds a certificate in Biblical Women's Studies from SEBTS and serves as a workplace chaplain and the director of women’s ministries at her church. She is the author of multiple books and Bible studies; her most recent one on Habakkuk explores Habakkuk’s message of hope Amid Uncertainty. She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and 3 daughters. She attends Macedonia Baptist Church, where she is the director of Women’s Ministry and teaches Bible studies weekly. Learn more about her ministry and her books: www.LauraRBailey.com
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