3 Ways to Use God’s Strength in Your Marriage
What does it mean to unlock our hidden strength? In the journey of marriage, we often find ourselves facing various challenges, and it’s in these moments that we must tap into our hidden strength.
Fortunately, the Bible offers invaluable guidance on how we can unlock our inner fortitude.
Let’s explore three key aspects: ability, attitude, and action, supported by relevant scriptures.
1. Ability: Strength Is Already Given by God
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3, Ephesians 6:10, and Hebrews 13:21
“ as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,”
2 Peter 1:3 NKJV
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”
Ephesians 6:10 NKJV
“make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen”
Hebrews 13:21 NKJV
Empowered by Divine Strength (2 Peter 1:3)
In the realm of faith and spirituality, our true power lies in our connection to God. As 2 Peter 1:3 beautifully reminds us, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a Godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” Here, we find the foundation of our strength—the divine empowerment that comes from a profound relationship with God.
Through faith and knowledge, we tap into this limitless source of strength. This allows us to navigate the complexities of life and marriage with grace and wisdom.
Standing Firm with Spiritual Armor (Ephesians 6:10)
Ephesians 6:10 reinforces the idea that our strength extends beyond the physical realm; it encompasses spiritual fortitude as well. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” These words resonate with the understanding that true strength is not found in earthly might but in the unshakable foundation of faith.
As we don the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6, we are equipped to withstand the challenges of marriage and life itself. We embrace the power of truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation. This allows us to stand firm as protectors and pillars of support for our families.
Empowered to Fulfill God’s Purpose (Hebrews 13:21)
Hebrews 13:21 encapsulates the ultimate purpose of a husband’s power in God: “equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ.”
We are empowered by our faith and divine strength and are called to fulfill God’s purpose within our marriages. This power is not self-serving but a means to be a source of love, support, and guidance for our spouses and families.
As we align our lives with God’s will, we become instruments of His grace, manifesting His love in our marriages and the world around us. In this divine empowerment, we discover the true depth of our power—the power to live out our faith and be a reflection of God’s goodness in our roles as husbands and partners.
2. Attitude: Strength to Positively Love and Cherish Your Spouse
Scripture: Song of Solomom 6:3 and Ephesians 5:28-33
“I am my beloved’s, And my beloved is mine.
He feeds his flock among the lilies.”
Song of Solomon 6:3 NKJV
“So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.”
Ephesians 5:28-33 NKJV
Strength in Cherishing and Admiring Your Wife (Song of Solomon 6:3)
In the Song of Solomon, we find a beautiful depiction of a husband’s attitude towards his wife: “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine; he grazes among the lilies.” This verse encapsulates a husband’s attitude of cherishing and admiration for his spouse.
In the context of a Godly marriage, our attitude reflects the profound sense of partnership and unity ordained by God. We should see our wife as a beloved companion, and our heart should overflow with love and appreciation. This attitude is not rooted in mere affection but in a deep, abiding love that nourishes the relationship, much like a garden of lilies in full bloom.
Our attitude, inspired by the Song of Solomon, should be one of reverence, honor, and devotion toward our wife, reflecting the love that Christ has for His Church.
Strength in Sacrificial Love and Leadership (Ephesians 5:28-33)
Ephesians 5:28-33 provides a profound blueprint for our attitude within a Godly marriage. It emphasizes our role as the head of the household, but this leadership is not one of dominance or control; rather, it’s characterized by sacrificial love.
Our attitude, as outlined in these verses, should mirror Christ’s love for His Church. We are called to love our wife as we love our own body, nourishing and cherishing her. This attitude is selfless and compassionate, seeking the well-being and spiritual growth of her above all else.
It involves a deep commitment to the unity of marriage, a reverence for the sanctity of the marital bond, and a willingness to lay down our own interests for the sake of our wife’s flourishing. This Christ-like attitude in marriage fosters trust, intimacy, and a loving partnership that glorifies God and serves as a testament to the beauty of marital commitment.
3. Action: Strength to Act on God’s Word
Scripture: James 1:22-25, Philippians 4:13, and Psalms 119:60
“ But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. …”
James 1:22-25 NKJV
“ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13 NKJV
“I made haste, and did not delay To keep Your commandments.”
Psalms 119:60 NKJV
Strength in Living Out God’s Word with Movement (James 1:22-25)
James 1:22-25 reminds us of the importance of not merely hearing God’s word but actively doing it. To be active doers of God’s word, we can prioritize daily acts of kindness, empathy, and love within our marriage. For instance, we can actively practice forgiveness and patience when conflicts arise, demonstrating God’s grace and mercy. We can also engage in acts of service and selflessness, mirroring Christ’s sacrificial love.
By putting these principles into action in our marriage, we not only strengthen our relationship but also live out God’s word in tangible ways that impact our spouse and families positively.
Strength in Drawing On God’s Provision (Philippians 4:13)
Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. In the context of marriage, this means that we can actively engage in the challenges and joys of married life with a sense of confidence and reliance on God’s empowerment.
We can approach the responsibilities of marriage with a willingness to adapt, learn, and grow. This enables us to trust that God’s strength is sufficient to guide us through any circumstance. Whether it’s being a supportive partner, a loving father, or a steadfast provider, we can draw upon God’s strength to actively fulfill our roles and responsibilities within the marriage, knowing that our efforts are supported by divine grace.
Strength in Continuously Seeking God’s Guidance (Psalms 119:60)
Psalms 119:60 emphasizes the importance of hastening to keep God’s commandments. We can actively apply this principle by consistently seeking God’s guidance in our marriage. This involves spending time in prayer, studying the Scriptures, and seeking spiritual counsel when facing marital challenges or decisions.
By actively seeking God’s wisdom and aligning our actions with His guidance, we can ensure that our decisions and behaviors reflect His divine plan. This proactive approach to spiritual growth not only benefits us but also creates an environment of spiritual unity within the marriage. We both are actively pursuing God’s will together, strengthening our bond and commitment to each other and to God.
In conclusion, trust and lean hard to the Lord for assistance. Make the decisions to do what is instructed, and most importantly, take action. Only YOU can decide to help yourself. Confront your fears, attitudes, and triggers that prevent you from drawing on God’s provisions. Your wife, family, and society need you,
