Day 2: Endure Together by Making Jesus the Center
To make Jesus the center of your marriage sounds good, doesn’t it? We know that this is what we are supposed to do, but what does that actually look like? How do we do this? While we can look into many other passages of Scripture that can help us with this answer, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 really does provide a helpful framework on how this can play out.
What did Paul say? Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. Three commands, three instructions, and yet it is easy to drift from these profound instructions that will help keep Jesus at the center of our marriage. Think about these commands very briefly again.
Rejoice always. We need more joy in the world that we live in. There is much fear and so much uncertainty that we are inundated with every day, and if we are not careful, the worries of this world can rob us of the joy that God wants to produce in us. So, what would it look like for the joy of the Lord to fill your marriage today?
Pray continually. To pray without ceasing is a reminder of how much we need God. We need Him in every moment of every day, whether we realize this or not. Praying teaches our soul to be dependent upon the Lord, and praying will lead your marriage to be dependent upon the Lord.
Give thanks. Giving thanks in all circumstances can be hard to do at times. Your marriage might be enduring something really hard right now. But, remember that gratitude in the middle of your circumstances can remind you that your life and marriage belong to Jesus. He is the author and finisher of your faith, and He has got you and your spouse right now. That alone is always reason enough to give thanks.
Make Jesus the center of your marriage again by rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances. This is God’s will for you and your marriage.
Conversation Starter:
How can our marriage grow in any one of the instructions that the Apostle Paul gives in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (Rejoice always, Pray continually, and Give thanks in all Circumstances)?
Pray:
“Jesus, may you be the center of our marriage. Forgive us in any way for the times where we have put ourselves at the center. We turn to you again. Have your rightful place as King over our hearts because you are at the center of it all. Our marriage is for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”