One of my life verses is  Job  5:7  “man is born unto trouble as the sparks fly upward”.  A long marriage will endure the whole gamut of troubles including money, family conflicts, church problems, illness, death—you name it. Run to God and trust in His sovereignty over all of it.  

“There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage.”       Martin Luther

We’re coming up on 43 years of  married life this summer and I  thank God for every one of them. While discussing this blogpost with my good man  I said, “I think I  can boil  the success of our marriage down to just two words: ‘Grace and Christ’. What do you think?” His response:  “Honey, I’ve never known you to say anything in just two words.”

1. LOVE GOD MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE

“And He said to him, “‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’  Matthew 22:37

Obviously, this is easier said than done, but a healthy Christian marriage must be centered in the Lord. If you’re considering marrying someone who does not share your faith DON’T DO IT!! If you’re in a marriage with an unbeliever,  don’t fret about it. The Lord wants you to stay put (with the exception of  special circumstances like  infidelity or abuse).  I Cor. 7:13-14

2. CHERISH GOD’S WORD

“Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.”Psalm 119:11

Always hold God’s Word in the highest esteem. The Bible is completely sufficient to guide us in all matters pertaining to godly living. Read it. Memorize it. Saturate your mind with sound doctrine. Test everything against it. And realize that it’s normal to go through seasons where we have less time to study.

3. 3. PRAY, PRAY, PRAY

“Rejoice always,  pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Susannah Wesley, mother of the beloved hymnist Charles Wesley, had 19 children, nine of which died in infancy. She was noted for her fervent prayer life and finding a quiet place for her was impossible. Nevertheless, that didn’t stop her and her children knew it was time to be quiet when she threw her apron over her head to pray.

4. STAY IN CHURCH

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of someis; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”  Hebrews 10:25

Find the best church you can and become a part of it. Honor the Lord’s Day by worshiping with other believers. Don’t get flaky in this department. If your church is lacking, supplement with online sermons or maybe even consider becoming a part of a new church plant. You can contact a good seminary or your denomination about that. Church planting can be spiritually invigorating. We need the accountability and the encouragement of other believers

5. TRUST GOD IN THE STORMS

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.”  Psalm 46:2

[Editor’s note: This article is incomplete. The link (URL) to the original article is unavailable and has been removed.]