Tag: Reconnect: Refresh Your Marriage

‘And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.’ Colossians 3:15(NLT)

This verse contains an active command: “Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.” This requires your purposeful cooperation and acknowledging that He is in control and you are not. Today, seek to engage fully in the present moment. There is peace that comes with being fully present, free from any shame of the past or worry of the future. Do you trust that God is truly in control? For all who believe in Him, He promises a future far better than we can dream up — and this gives us a lot of confidence in the present! Take this moment to be still with God and listen to Him. What do you hear?

Prayer 

God, I thank you that you promise a future with you to all who trust in Christ Jesus for salvation. I pray that as I think upon that amazing truth, you will fill me with hope and peace. Lord, will you help me to think more highly of your promises? Amen.

from Reconnect: Refresh Your Marriage

‘But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. ‘ Romans 5:8(NLT)

‘God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.’ 1 John 4:9-10(NLT)

God’s love is always reaching toward us. As Romans 5:8 tells, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” In marriage this brings a lot of hope! You can reach toward our spouse even if they’re not on the same page, just as God made the first move toward you. If you are feeling distant from your spouse, you can love before you feel loved in return. Remember how God reached for you before you loved him. What can you do to take a loving step toward your spouse? Whatever the answer is, do something to act on it today. 

Prayer 

Thank you, God, that you reached out to me when I was far from you! My heart was dead in sin, and You made a way for me to be alive in You! Lord, in remembering this, I am grateful and humbled that you loved me first. Help me to adopt the same mindset in my marriage, and to be willing to love my spouse even when I do not feel loved. 

from Reconnect: Refresh Your Marriage

‘Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, ‘ Philippians 1:3-4(NLT)

This verse models gratitude to God in the context of relationship. How much time do you spend thanking God for your spouse?

What was the first thing you noticed about your spouse when you met? Take a moment to think back and remember the first time you saw each other. It may have been their laugh; their eyes; the way their presence impacted the room. When is the last time you told them how much you like that trait? Today, take the time to share that memory with your spouse. Write a note, send a text, or tell them face to face! 

Prayer

Lord, I can tend to take my spouse for granted. I pray you will remind me of the things that first drew us together, and that in remembering, we reconnect to one another. I pray that my heart will be softened to you, Lord, and as You work in my heart that I can grow closer to my spouse.

from Reconnect: Refresh Your Marriage 

‘Your unfailing love, O Lord , is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.’ Psalms 36:5(NLT)

‘Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.’ Deuteronomy 8:18(NLT)

Today’s verses remind us that God’s faithfulness never changes. He is our source of life. As you spent time yesterday remembering the roots of your marriage, what stuck out to you? What were some of the best memories? Can you recall ways that you have seen God’s faithfulness through your marriage? Write down or talk together about any ways you have seen God provide, answer prayers, or sustain you, your marriage and your family. As you do this, think of the ways that God has been faithful to you through the time since then. God calls His people to remember what He has done. 

Prayer 

Thank you Lord, that you are always faithful and always good. I pray you will remind me of the ways you have provided for us. Lord, as I remember the early days of falling and love and marriage, I pray you will re-awaken the love I first felt for my spouse, and remind me of your continued faithfulness since then. 

Go deeper: Read Deuteronomy 8 to find context for remembering the Lord in times of need, and in times of plenty. 

from Reconnect: Refresh Your Marriage

‘Your eternal word, O Lord , stands firm in heaven.’ Psalms 119:89(NLT)

‘For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. ‘ Hebrews 4:12(NLT)

For Christians, Scripture is the ideal starting point for every endeavor we undertake. This plan will have you read Scripture each day. The daily dose is small, but we believe God’s word is very powerful! Set aside a bit of time each day to ask God to work in your heart as you read it. 

God’s plan for the world, including the details of your personal life, relationships, and marriage, is unshakeable. As we begin this road to reconnection, look back to where it started for you. Take a moment to recall your marriage’s origin story. Where did it all begin? How did God bring you together? Remember that stage of life; your hopes and dreams, and the feelings that came along with meeting and falling in love with your spouse. Thank Him today for bringing you together, and for the life He’s given you together. 

Prayer:

God, I thank you that your “eternal word stands firm in heaven. Your faithfulness extends to every generation.” (Ps. 119:89). Thank you that your word is “alive and active,” (Heb. 4:12) and can shape my heart to be more like yours. Today, as I begin a path to rekindling the closeness in marriage, I pray that you will help me understand your ways. Help me to see the ways you have provided for and sustained my life, and to live in gratitude. Amen. 

from Reconnect: Refresh Your Marriage