How to Have a God-Centered Marriage

I have been married just under three years. I realize that doesn’t seem like a long time, but this isn’t marriage advice. This post is to share with you what marriage should be like when God is front and center.

I was 33 when I married Judson. He was 38. We were definitely considered “older” when we chose to marry, so we had both lived independently for quite awhile before we decided to share our lives.

I knew I would marry Judson the very first time I saw him. I guess I have a gift of discernment, but I truly KNEW. He would take a couple of years to convince! (I think he knew he would always play second string to the true love of my life, Peanut!) In all seriousness, God brought Judson into my life at the perfect time. Ecclesiastes 3 states that there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens. This was our time.

Judson and I were both very strong in our faith long before we met. It was simpy a waiting game for God to bring our lives together. There are a lot of ways men and women can prepare for marriage, but the must important goal is that we include God. He has to be the center and guiding force to create a longlasting covenant with another. Yes, I have been married once before in my early twenties. That would be a post about what NOT to do. This is a post where I want to share just what you should expect from a godly marriage.

1. YOU HAVE A PARTNER. Sharing your life with your best friend is an amazing feeling, but it gets even better. You have a partner with whom to share all of the many adventures life brings. There will be both exciting and devastating moments, and having someone to hold your hand, allow you to cry, and celebrate with makes all experiences that much sweeter. After losing my mom so suddenly, Judson and I grew much closer. We weren’t drifting by any means, but the experience made us stronger together.
2. YOU HAVE SECURITY. A lasting, reverent marriage will bring you security. Loyalty to and from our spouses is the foundation of trust. When trust is broken, it is hard to reestablish. With God as the head of marriage, you can have peace and security. You are loved and you belong.
3. YOU ARE HONORED. No one will love you or admire you more than your spouse. Proverbs 31:28-29 share, “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.'” Your spouse will praise you all of your days.
4. YOU ARE ENOUGH. Women struggle for most of their lives fighting weight, body image, insecurities, and fear of failure. We love to pick ourselves apart. Even when we excel in one area and are receiving praise, we move on to the next thing we don’t like or need to improve. In Christ, you are enough. In marriage, you are enough. YOU are enough. One of the greatest hopes of marriage is the ability to grow old together. You can actually expect to grow old as you grow old together. Celebrate the changes of your body as you celebrate life as it unfolds. Gray hair is a crown of splendor attained by a righteous life (Proverbs 16:31). Accept who you are and do good with your life. Include your spouse in God’s plans, and thank Him for his divine providence bringing you together.

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If you have any questions on marriage or a God-centered marriage in general, I would welcome speaking to you. Feel free to get in touch at hello@jeanclairemonroe.com.