Your Daily Devotional for October 6, 2007

 

October 6,  2007

 

 

God's Heart for Your Marriage

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 

"Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it."

 

Ephesians 5:21–25

 

 

In these days of internet communication, radio, and television talk shows, it seems that everyone has an opinion about everything! American demographics magazine recently reported that in 1983 only fifty-three stations nationwide had a "talk show" format. Today over one thousand stations have a talk show format. Sixty-nine percent of those Americans who listen to daily talk shows are listening for information on relationships or family issues.

 

But when it comes to the subject of family relationships, there is an opinion that is far more important than any talk show host. In fact, the only opinion that really counts is God's. God's heart for marriage and His will for our homes is clearly outlined in the Scriptures. Yet, even many Christian homes are not governed by God's Word, and consequently are struggling to find true joy.

 

Ephesians 5 is God's family handbook in a nutshell, and the key to it is found in the second half of verse 18, "but be filled with the Spirit." At salvation we all received the Holy Spirit and He helps us in our Christian lives. One area of life the Holy Spirit desires to help us in is our marriages. As we allow the Holy Spirit to move and work in our marriages, He will bring fruit. Over the next few days we will see the different fruit He brings. Today, let's focus on the fruit of joy.

 

True joy only comes through the work of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith." Joy can often be confused with happiness. Happiness is many times contingent upon one's circumstances, but joy is based on our relationship with God. It is not a shallow emotion, but a constant state of being.

 

As we walk in the Spirit and seek to please God, He will give us joy in our lives and our marriages. It is evident when someone is filled with the Holy Spirit. There is joy in their lives and a pleasant attitude. It is easy to live with someone who is filled with the Spirit's joy!

 

Joy also evidences itself through our lives. Acts 16:25 says, "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them." Why could Paul and Silas sing praises to God and have joy while they were in prison? It was because they were filled with the Holy Spirit, and His joy was evidenced through their lives. 

 

When we are filled with the Holy Spirit and have His joy, it will show through our actions. Others will be able to see our joy through our service, our countenance, and our attitude. This joy will also be evidenced in our marriages. We will delight in doing things for our spouses, and we will seek to share our joy with them.

 

Is there joy in your marriage today? If not, make sure you are filled with the Holy Spirit. God has given us the Holy Spirit to help us and guide us to having joyful marriages. Spend time with God right now. Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit. Also ask Him to help you have joy in your marriage. As we seek the Holy Spirit's help each day, we will be able to have more joyful marriages.

 

 

Daily Bible Reading

Isaiah 26-27 • Philippians 2

 

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