Devotionals

The First Reality Check for a Growing Marriage - "The Real World"

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Our Need

In order for a marriage to grow and deepen, husbands and wives must learn to face reality. Everything around us paints an unreal view of life in general and marriage in particular. That is why we need to do a regular reality check in our marriages.

God's Principle

Three helpful reality checks are found in the Book of Ecclesiastes. The first is to recognize that life can be very difficult and perplexing:
Furthermore, I have seen under the sun that in the place of justice there is wickedness and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness
(Eccles. 3:16).

Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed--and they had no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors--and [the oppressed] have no comforter (Eccles. 4:1).

 The Bible says that we are not only in a battle, but that a battle also rages inside each of us. In this fallen world life can be disappointing and frustrating. Realistic expectations about the highs and lows of life help married couples keep a healthy perspective. 

Our Response

In light of God’s first reality check, prayerfully answer the following questions:

1.  What is your current view of this world? Is it God’s or your own? Explain.
   

2.  If you are in the midst of a difficult or perplexing time, what have you done about it? Have you taken it to the Lord? Remember, He is the Great Problem-Solver in every situation.

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