Protecting our marriage

1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Mama bears are affectionate, protective, nurturing, and strict, but if they sense that their cubs are in danger, look out–they’re fierce. But a mama bear will go to great lengths to protect her cubs. In the same way we need to protect our marriage. We need to go to great lengths, do whatever it takes to protect and defend our marriage.

With that in mind, let’s look at Seven things we can start to protect our marriage:

1. Pray often and pray together – We have been given the incredible opportunity to enter the throne room, and bring our marriage before the King of all Kings. When we stop to consider how valuable this gift is, you have to wonder why it’s ever a last resort.

2. Pay attention to each other’s needs – Unresolved hurt and anger can take root in a person’s heart. Communicate wisely by listening to each other and being sensitive to the needs of your spouse.

3. Be careful about outside relationships – Innocent friendships can easily escalate between men and women. Honor God and honor your spouse by keeping a safe distance.

4. Add a little fun to your relationship - no matter how long you've been married, notes in lunch boxes, tucked in pieces of luggage, or placed under the visor of the car are always appreciated. And in this technological age, it's so easy to send an e-mail or text message to tell your spouse of your love.

5. Pull back the reigns on social media – Don’t let the internet become a priority in your home. Practice putting down your phone when you’re together and closing the laptop for some face-to-face time.

6. Regularly remember why you married your spouse. What character qualities drew you to your mate? Write a love letter reminding your spouse why you married him/her and express your lifelong commitment. You may want to share this letter over a candlelight dinner.

7. Control Your Thoughts – Don’t keep a mental record of wrongs. Don’t harbor resentment. Don’t feed unforgiveness. Don’t entertain thoughts of divorce. Don’t entertain thoughts of infidelity. Control your thoughts by taking them captive. Don’t let your thoughts control you–control them. Bring them into obedience. Defy them with the truth of scripture. Stand strong as we read in James 4:7 tells us to, “resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Yes–those thoughts can be defeated. Keep fighting.

Dear Lord, we thank You for the example of marriage that You demonstrate with the church. We pray for the strength to protect our marriage. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.