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by Winsome SmithPlanning a wedding is exciting, tiring, joyous and challenging—sometimes all at once. After the wedding, though, there’s a marriage to be worked out together. Like the preparation for a wedding, your marriage will have times of excitement, exhaustion, enthusiasm and effort. You’ve seen enough of life to know that sometimes it takes all you have, and just a bit more.
What then? How do you make an effective transition from an event to settling in for the long haul? I’d like to share a few observations with you.
Remember it is for the long haul. I’ve never yet been to a wedding where the bride and groom exchanged vows, “Till we get tired of it all.” Yes, the statistics tell us that a huge number of marriages do fail; many factors play into the pressures a young couple face. It takes two people deeply committed to one another to have a beautiful, lasting marriage. Neither of you can make it work on your own. Determine to do your part. The pressures you face on Friday may be gone by Sunday. The challenges of this season will melt as you work through them together.
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “When all else fails, read the instructions.” The Bible, God’s Word to mankind, gives us many insights in how to best live and relate to one another. Marriage is, after all, God’s idea. It seems the Designer may have some great insights in how to make yours the best it could be. Read His word, take it to heart, and apply it on a daily basis.
You cannot build a marriage alone. The two of you working together will be far stronger. Invite God into your relationship. Consider Ecclesiastes 4:12b: “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Psalm 127:1a makes a bold statement: “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” Invite Him to build your home. Welcome Him into every nook and cranny of your marriage.
If you’ve not already done so, learn to laugh together. “A joyful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22a).
Loving one another deeply is a precious gift from God’s hand. Treasure it. Guard your heart, and let nothing steal that love. After the wedding, I pray you have many days, months and years of living, laughing together, and loving one another well. May God bless your new home!
Lord, I pray for those who read as we have shared these moments of meditation. May each new bride hear Your voice clearly and grow in her ability to trust You. Be with her as she walks, skips and runs through these exciting days of preparation and new beginnings. Bless this new home, I pray, with much laughter together, a joy and peace that transcends anything the world offers, and a rich love for one another and for You. Be with them as they step into the exciting journey ahead, I ask, and draw each one ever closer to Your own heart. In the precious name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen
After the wedding, I pray you have many days, months and years of living, laughing together, and loving one another well. May God bless your new home!
Winsome Smith enjoys sharing God's goodness and faithfulness with ladies in the online chat ministry at Christian Women Today.
