King Artaxerxes commissioned Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah and his men set to work with trowels in one hand and with swords in the other, defending against enemies on all sides (Neh. 4:17).
In many ways, married couples face a similar challenge. With one hand, they’re building their marriage, their children, and their careers. With the other, they’re wielding the sword of the Word of God and defending their families against a culture that’s increasingly hostile.
It’s a worthy and noble endeavor, but it doesn’t always feel like it for most couples. From the proposal, to planning the wedding and long talks about children, careers, and dreams for the future, they start their lives together with fun and excitement.
But the fairy tale doesn’t usually take long to fade behind piles of laundry, dishes in the sink, and responsibilities at work. Marital pressures increase, and small problems become big ones. The transition from individuals to the intimacy and unity of becoming “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24) can be tricky.
Nehemiah encouraged people facing adversity to remember that “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (8:10). Couples get so focused on building a life together and the perpetual pursuit of “more” that they overlook God’s blessings along the way.
Fortunately, a dull marriage can turn for the better when you press into God and say, “God, help me to fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and the finisher of my faith. Help me to find my joy in You.”
Here at Focus on the Family, we routinely hear from husbands and wives who want to experience the oneness in their marriage the Bible speaks about. To that end, we’re airing a conversation on our Focus on the Family Broadcast titled “Creating a No-Regrets Marriage.”
Our guests are husband and wife Steve and Rhonda Stoppe. They’re a fun couple – I think that’ll be obvious right away – and they’ll help you find the joy of the Lord in your marriage. Listen on your local radio station, online, oniTunes, via Podcast, or take us with you on our free phone app.
You can also get Steve and Rhonda’s book, The Marriage Mentor: Becoming the Couple You Long to Befor a gift of any amount. Check our websitefor details and please consider giving today.
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