I read another day of the new book I’m reading, and it focused on a practice that I have done since the beginning of our marriage. I was inspired as I read about it this morning because I had never heard anyone else mention it. I only began to do it because Holy Spirit lead me to do so. Turning toward.
I have continually turned toward my husband. No matter what has happened and how I feel, I won’t allow myself to begin to seek out comfort somewhere that isn’t God or him. I made a firm decision years ago, to always fight for connection with Chris.
Even in times when anger or frustration have threatened to cast a shadow over our union, I will force myself to go to God and seek out reconciliation. Marriage is and always will be a choice.
Every marriage has moments when you may think there is no way forward, but if you press into Christ and center yourself in His promises, then you can make it through. The key is to stay open.
Staying open is a choice. When I vowed to love Chris in plenty and want, sickness and health, through the good times and the bad until death do us part…I meant it. This is not a promise I made lightly. I knew what I was getting into. In the moments when I’ve been surprised or disappointed with him, I’ve leaned into the fact that God directed me to marry him, therefore, He knew I’d be facing whatever it is and He will provide the grace for that moment and will see me through. I’m sure Chris has had to do this for me too. I have no doubt disappointed and surprised him at times too.
He chooses me. I choose him. We remain open.
We have built a foundation firm enough at this point to know that there isn’t a fight we can’t make amends after. Actually, we usually don’t fight because we both know we’ll end up laughing anyway. Now we both know how to diffuse each other.
Our relationship with God is very similar. We each choose to turn toward Him no matter what. We choose to assume the best about His character, and rightly so. We choose to cling to Him even when we don’t understand what’s happening or feel disappointed. We cling to Him because He’s the only One worth clinging to. The Only Firm foundation to be found. If you feel like everything in your life is shaking, turn to Him and be open. Believe in the goodness of His character and remain focused on Him.
Prayer Moment: God, I choose You. Today and tomorrow and the next day, I will choose You still. You are my forever Faithful One. I trust You. I choose to turn to You in all things and at all times. I love You. You are my one true love. Oh, Faithful Father, I lean into Your heart. I press into more of Who You are. I want to be closer to You. As I inhale, let Your spirit flood my body. As I exhale, may my fears and insecurities leave. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25-26
I belong to my beloved, and his desire is for me. Song of Solomon 7:10
365 Days in the Presence 