Tag Archives: Marriage

Night Light - James & Shirley Dobson

Night Light for Couples – “Ordinary” Love

Leave a comment

 

“Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us.” Ephesians 5:2

We’ve been talking about romantic love and how to preserve it. There are times in every marriage, however, when husbands and wives feel apathetic and “flat” toward each other. Jim wrote me the following note during just such a time, which occurred on our eighth wedding anniversary: “I’m sure you remember the many occasions during our eight years of marriage when the tide of love and affection soared high above the crest. This kind of intense emotion often accompanies a time of particular happiness. We felt this closeness when the world’s most precious child came home from the maternity ward. But emotions are strange! We felt the same closeness when you were hospitalized last year. I felt it intensely when I knelt over your unconscious form after a grinding automobile accident.

“Both happiness and threat bring overwhelming appreciation and affection for our sweethearts. But most of life is composed of calm, everyday events. During those times, I enjoy the serene love that actually surpasses the effervescent display. I find myself in that kind of love on this anniversary. I feel the steady, quiet affection that comes from a devoted heart. I am committed to you and your happiness now more than ever.

“When events throw us together emotionally, we will enjoy the thrill and romantic excitement. But during life’s routine, my love stands undiminished. Happy anniversary to my wonderful wife.”

Just between us…

  • When has our marriage provided the most romantic excitement?
  • How can serene love enhance romance between us?
  • Do we enjoy this kind of love? Why or why not?

Dear God, thank You for the intense feelings that accompany romantic love. Help us cherish them. May our love also remain strong and enduring on ordinary days or when feelings are at ebb tide. Amen.

From Night Light For Couples, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson

Night Light - James & Shirley Dobson

Night Light for Couples – The Marriage Triangle

Leave a comment

 

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord.” Jeremiah 17:7

God promises to bless those who trust in Him. The Psalms state that joy, deliverance, triumph, mercy, provision, blessedness, safety, and usefulness will come to those who put their confidence in the Lord. We need to rely on those blessings in our marriages—otherwise the stresses of life will pull us apart. And those stresses will come! When the house burns down… when a child becomes ill… when a job and steady paycheck are lost, it’s all too easy to let fear and frustration drive a wedge between partners. Even minor problems, such as a nagging cold or a sleepless night, can disrupt the quality of our marriage.

The good news is that we weren’t meant to succeed by depending only on each other. Marriage is a triangle—with husband and wife at the bottom corners and the Lord at the top. The book of Ecclesiastes conveys a similar truth when Solomon talks about the strength of a three‐stranded cord (4:12). If we invite the Lord into our marriage and trust in His strength, we can experience strength and peace in our marriage regardless of the circumstances.

Just between us…

  • When, before our marriage, did God prove strong for you in a time of crisis? What specific blessing did He provide?
  • How has He blessed us during hard times in our marriage?
  • What are some of the little stresses that tend to drive us apart?
  • In light of what we’ve read this week, how can we encourage each other to trust God more?

Dear Lord, we praise You that You—the God of love, power, and goodness— want to be a powerful presence in our relationship. When tests come, bind us together with love. When we are weak, be strong for us. Amen.

From Night Light For Couples, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson

Night Light - James & Shirley Dobson

Night Light for Couples –Frustrating Foibles

Leave a comment

 

“Be kind and compassionate to each other, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

The great tragedies of life can undermine committed love, but so can minor frustrations. These daily irritants, when accumulated over time, may be even more threatening to a marriage than the catastrophic events that crash into our lives. And yes, there are times in every marriage when a husband and wife don’t like each other very much. There may be occasions when anger or disappointment takes the fun out of a relationship temporarily. Emotions are like that. They occasionally flatten out like an automobile tire with a nail in it. Riding on the rim is a pretty bumpy experience for everyone on board.

The next time you’re tempted to trade in your spouse, remember that divorce must never be considered an option for those who are committed to each other for life. Instead, determine to work on your points of friction and to accept the human frailties and faults in your spouse. He or she must accept an equal number of flaws in you as well. A covenant of commitment and acceptance is a powerful secret to lifelong love.

Just between us…

  • What “daily irritant” between us is most frustrating to you?
  • Have we gotten better or worse at handling everyday aggravations?
  • How can we reduce frustrations in our marriage?

Dear God, You know how little irritations often cause pain in our marriage. As we humbly release these irritations to You, please heal us. Forgive us our pride. Anoint us with grace. Grow in us a love that’s stronger than any fault or foible. Amen.

From Night Light For Couples, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Make it Golden

Leave a comment

ppt_seal01

“To have and hold from this day forward as long as we both shall live.” Most people can quote this vow by heart. But knowing it and living it are two different things. Marriages in America are under attack. One statistic says only five percent of couples will actually reach their fiftieth wedding anniversary. Perhaps you’re one of the many people who have been hurt by the pain of divorce.

Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth.

Proverbs 5:18

Why do marriages fail? Financial problems, lack of communication and infidelity are just a few of the reasons. Marriage is hard work. But anything worth having is worth the effort. Today’s proverb is a reminder to wedded couples to rejoice in their spouse – to let husband or wife know how much they are appreciated, to take time to enjoy each other’s company…even when doing nothing else but being together.

Marriage is the foundation of families and a holy union. If you’re single, pray for your married friends. If you are married, invest in yours. Write your spouse a love note and deliver it with a kiss. Thank God today for your spouse and ask Him to strengthen your marriage and the marriages of both the president and the vice-president.

Recommended Reading: I Corinthians 13:4-13