Strong marriage

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:

If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

It's interesting how Solomon applies himself to evaluate life and finds that all is meaningless under the sun... except this. We were made for one another. In fact, during creation, the only thing God said was not "good" was for man to be alone. And while this passage does not speak directly concerning the type of relationship Solomon has in mind, I don't think it would be too much to suggest that the best application is to marriage. In marriage, partners share profit (vs 9), provisions (vs 10), passion (vs 11) and protection (vs 12). Partners who share these foundational principles will find great reward, happiness and fulfillment in their relationships. However, even the most perfect couples will face trials and struggles. The key to a rewarding, happy, fulfilling and ENDURING marriage is found at the end of verse 12... "a cord of three strands." If husband and wife weave into their marriage the person of Jesus Christ, their covenant will endure even the most difficult of trials. This is because Jesus ads an example of love, a strength of commitment, a depth of sacrifice and a breadth of forgiveness that we alone cannot muster. To make this a reality, couples must weave God into their relationship daily through prayer, Scripture, worship, meditation, service and sacrifice. It is not enough to wrap a marriage in the stuff of God, only giving the appearance of divine strength. God must be at the core as well as wrapped around our lives.

How have I been doing at daily weaving God into my marriage?

God - help me to focus more of our time together on You in prayer, Scripture. Help me wash my bride with the water of the Word (Eph. 5:26) and present her to You daily as a bride without spot or blemish. Let my words be marked by praise and thanksgiving. Let my actions be Christ-like; serving and sacrificial. Help me to weave you into our marriage more and more each day. Amen.