Proverbs 18
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.” (Proverbs 18:22, NKJV)
It was God who said, “It is not good that man should be alone.” (Genesis 2:18) God knew that we need help. While I believe that a man or woman can be single and still live a full and productive life, a spouse is a precious gift from God that should always be cherished and never taken for granted.
Cindy and I have been married 41 years. Truly, she has been the gift that keeps on giving. As I watch our children grow up with children of their own and consider the daughter-in-love and son-in-love they have brought home to us, I cannot imagine experiencing these things apart from Cindy’s enormous contributions. I have received great favor from the LORD through her.
We have also been privileged to follow our dream of moving to Boise in our early thirties to start a church. Truly, this has been a team effort, not only with Cindy and I, but also with our children, their spouses, and now our grandchildren (not to mention our extended family in Christ). These things could have never happened without God bringing Cindy into my life just before her 21st birthday.
Cindy and I have often reflected on our marriage and wish others could experience what we have. For people desiring to find a good thing in a wife or husband, I have only a few words: cherish each other and always be thankful. You are married to an imperfect person who is pledged to be married to an imperfect person. And God will give you grace to help each other become better. Your marriage will receive God’s favor and be a blessing to others.
If you are married and have lost sight of these things…if hardness of heart is creeping in and robbing you of the feelings you once had…it’s not too late. You may not be able to change your partner…at least not right away…but by God’s grace you can change yourself. You can ask God to soften your heart, help you to forgive as He forgives, and pour His love into your heart for your spouse. God can rekindle the fire in your heart that once burned brightly.