On the morning of the day that Chris and I renewed our vows, I sat with God and was thinking about my love for Chris and my love for God. I was reminiscing about how my love for Chris and his for me has grown as I’ve grown nearer to God. Then I realized that as I grow in my love toward Chris, I always feel closer and more deeply in love with God.
I was struck by the wonder of it all.
Then God showed me a circle, and He showed me that the thoughts I’d been pondering were a part of His plan for marriage. Marriage is meant to be an exclusive circle. A circle including one man, one woman, and God…and as each pursues the other, they grow closer to all.
What a beautiful revelation. A beautiful truth. Marriage was always meant to bring us closer to God.
We really dumb marriage down and take away it’s beauty when we make if about being happy. It’s not about being happy, it’s about growing. Growing in our love toward God and each other, constantly.
There’s a reason that the Bible tells us a man must leave his family and cleave to his wife.
It doesn’t say, cleave to her family. No, it’s just her.
Two become one…and the fruit of it overflows to create another family. Then that family grows, and each will leave and cleave and create another family. What a beautiful thing. God is truly a wonder.
I’ve received a lot of marital advice over the years. But none compares to what God has taught me. He teaches me everything I need to know. He is responsible for creating a bond between Chris and me. He is the One Who holds us together.
It’s funny, every time I boil life down, I realize yet again that we are best advised when we walk closely with God. Taking our advice from the only One Who truly knows best. Laying aside our earthly ideas, concepts, perceived rights, etc. and clinging to the Father.
I didn’t see this devotional going this way, but it must be said…
If we are to successfully navigate this life, we must learn to hear and respond to God’s voice. All wisdom is found there. All peace is found there.
He is everything.
The beginning and the end…and of course, the middle.
I’ve been given some good advice by people, but that is often few and far between, if I’m honest. The best advice I receive from people is from others who take time to sit at His feet. Those who spend their lives growing. Learning. Living with God in every moment.
Take heed who you take advice from. Observe others and learn from their wins and losses. Don’t do things just because that’s all you’ve ever known. Look to God in all things. All.
That’s where you’ll find wisdom…and eat the fruit of JOY.
Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:20-21
But you have received the Holy Spirit, and He lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what He teaches is true- it is not a lie. So just as He has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. 1 John 2:27
365 Days in the Presence 