Day 22 - Committeed to Love

The authors related the story of Hosea who chose to love his wife even though she spurned his love and was not faithful. They compare this story to God's love for us and make this statement:

"You can give undeserved love to your spouse because God gave undeserved love to you - repeatedly, enduringly. Love is often expressed the most to those who deserve it the least. Ask Him to fill you with the kind of love only He can provide, then purpose to give it to your mate in a way that reflects your gratefulness to God for loving you."

Oh heavenly Father, I thank You for Your great love for me. I recognize that I do not deserve Your love. Help me Father, for I'm a petty woman. John annoys me so much sometimes, and I find it easier to just go about my own way rather than try for the connection for which I so long. Help me choose each day to love John simply because he is my husband. Oh Father, give me the love to love him with. Thank you Father.

Days 20 & 21 - My real needs can only be met through God

Everyone has a deep need to be loved, cherished, delighted in, and valued.

The authors talk about the fact that if I look to spouse to meet all my needs I will always be disappointed. Not because he's ill intentioned, but because he's human. People make mistakes, people sometimes let us down. But God never changes and is wholly trustworthy.

So the challenge is to invest in my relationship with God and to spend time daily in His word. The questions are if that changes your perspective on your marriage. I do find that as I make God my first priority and spend time in His Word each morning, that my whole attitude is more positive about everything, my marriage included.