7 Point Plan 5(3)

--Point 5--

      Educate Yourself – Invest In Your Marriage
Part 3

Of all the material you will consult, nothing beats digging into the bible for God’s instructions, on how to maintain your marriage and have God sustain it.  So spend some quality time with God reading His word and talking to Him about the way forward. 

No matter what information you get on marriage, it will always be incomparable to God’s Word. Most likely, the information have developed from a Scripture passage or life experience which brings you back to God’s Word.  Failing to consult the Word of God for guidance can find you taking on other people’s ideas and opinions, which may not always direct you back to God’s Word. 

Taking advice, from everyone that gives it, can also contribute to bringing your marriage to ashes because sometimes people are hurt and develop such contempt for marriage that they will advise you to get out of it instead of trying to make it work.  Therefore, the best advice I can give you is to seek guidance from the Creator of all things.  God created marriage and so He is the best marriage counsellor.

A word of advice:

Sometimes it will hurt so much that you will feel you cannot share with your partner.  Sometimes you cannot put it into words.  Sometimes it’s a concern you have which may seem like an accusation, if you share it.  When these scenarios are present in your situation, remember that God is still in control—He said He will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb: 13:5) so talk to Him.  He hears the cries of the destitute (Ps. 102:17).

Choose your topic of conversations[1] carefully, and before you start a conversation, check the relationship atmosphere:

n      Is it the best time to bring up this issue?

n      Would it yield better result if you talk just before you settle for bed or just after dinner? (before leaving the dinning table) 

n      Would it be better to discuss this topic while on your night out as a couple or while on holiday? 

n      Is this a topic that would ruin the atmosphere or not?

I’ve since learned that when you don’t know what to say its best to keep your mouth closed and leave it to God.  The same can apply when you don’t know when to say it—leave it, pray about it and the opportunity will present itself.  When it does, seize the moment. 

© Janice S Ramkissoon 2010