You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You’re out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it.
Ephesians 5: 8-10(MSG)
Comment
Recently I’ve been juggling so many balls and getting stressed. My husband would add that as a result I’m a bit grumpy …and he would be being polite!
The things that affect us as individuals affect our relationship. If those stresses and strains go on for a long time they will shape our marriage, for better and for worse.
I often struggle with feelings of stress. When I’m handling it well I manage to keep life in perspective, I ask for help and I can laugh about myself. My relationship with my husband is fine.
When I’m not handling the stresses well I tend to go in on myself and yes … I get grumpy! My emotional capacity for anything else gets squeezed and this affects my husband, especially in the bedroom!
I don’t think that Jesus wants us to live this way.
When I read this passage recently I was challenged by the phrase: “Figure out what will please Christ, then do it.” So I prayed and asked Jesus to show me. There wasn’t a voice from heaven but this thought that came into my head: “just do your best and leave the rest to me.” I felt my perspective change, a burden lift and my mood changed. My husband smiled! I think it was God answering my prayer.
This week share with each other what is affecting you as individuals and talk about how that might be affecting each other. Then pray and ask Jesus to show you what will please him …listen to what God might be saying … and then do it.
Prayer (as a couple)
Dear Jesus, we thank you that you are God with perspective and power over everything. Thank you that you guide us and help us. Please show us in a moment of silence what will please you …show us the way, in the power of the Holy Spirit and in your name we pray. Amen. [SILENTLY WAIT FOR A MINUTE OR TWO AND SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS, THANKING GOD FOR ANY ANSWERS TO PRAYER.]
Prayer (for others)
Dear Father God, we pray for… and …. We ask that you would guide them and give them your perspective and direction as individuals and in their marriage. We pray in Jesus name. Amen.
Final Quote
“There is but one good; that is God. Everything else is good when it looks to Him and bad when it turns from Him.” C.S. Lewis
