Today we're talking about reviving our friendships in our marriages. Looking to the scriptures, I find the story of David and Johnathan which is an incredible testimony of friendship and loyalty. The Bible says that their souls were knit together as one. It doesn't get much better than that, does it?
But here's the thing... the beauty of their friendship wasn't based on the fact that these guys went to football games together or spent time shooting the breeze at Starbucks. They probably did have some guy time, but the bottom line is that their bond was strengthened by self-sacrifice, which is what made their story so incredible!
Just to give you a little background on this, in 1 Samuel (around chapters 18-23) we find the complete story. David was anointed to be the next king. King Saul takes him into his household, makes him a commander of his army and gives him a daughter in marriage. But while this is going on, jealousy and anger overtake Saul to the point where he is desperate to have David killed. He attempts this several times, but each time David escapes. With the help of Jonathan, the king's own son, David finally flees to the wilderness and goes into hiding. Their parting words are, "The LORD shall be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants, for ever."
While Jonathan was the son of a king, he lived in submission to David, because he not only knew it, he was obedient to the fact that David was an anointed servant of the Lord. He humbled himself by turning away from his own family to protect David's life. In doing this he was giving up any chance that he had at at being established as the next king. Their friendship was sealed with a covenant that was to be kept between them and their descendants forever.
What we see in all of this is that true friendship is not self-seeking. If we want to strengthen the bond, we must be willing to give up our desires for the good of another.
What can we draw from the story of David and Johnathan as it applies to our marriage?
1. We can submit to our husband's authority as outlined in scripture.
2. We can help to protect him by covering him in prayer.
3. We can hand over a proverbial sword by sharpening our husbands with the Word of God.
4. We should turn away from anything that threatens our marriage, while keeping in line with the will of God.
5. And finally, we must stay true to our covenant.
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. ~ Proberbs 18:24
Are you ready for a challenge?
Are you taking the challenge? Let us know by leaving a comment on this post! And if you are a blogger- grab this button link to one of our sites and then link-up below!
Don’t forget to visit:
You are loved by an almighty God,
Visit Time-Warp Wife on facebook:
Click here
If you would like to have Time-Warp Wife delivered to your inbox daily, simply click here: Subscribe to Time-Warp Wife
Check out my book,
The Good Wife's Guide: Embracing Your Role as a Help Meet
Friendship is an often overlooked but integral part of a good marriage. I'm so glad you are sharing such wise words about this subject with all of us, Darlene. I know I could always use the reminder to give of myself unconditionally to my mate. :) Thanks also for hosting!
ReplyDeleteMe too! Being a part of this is such a good reminder to me each week!
DeleteI NEEDED this today. Its the beginning of football season and I'm having a hard time adjusting to the football on in our home 4-5 nights a week. He begged me last night to give him one night of watching together this week. Guess I will make that sacrifice for him. He is very good about doing things with/for me. This would please him. As well as go a long way in filling his "love tank". Thank you for your timely words of encouragement.
ReplyDeleteIt's like that with hockey for us. Just last year we got our team back and my husband was very excited about that. Every man in our city was! I could tell that he was encouraged when I would suggest that we watch. Thing is, I knew it would be on anyway. LOL!
DeleteI love the quote, & your excellent & Godly advice! My husband & I are having a much needed "date" tomorrow, Lord willing! Thanks for the great post & for hosting the linkup, & God bless!
ReplyDeleteOh--tomorrow is today! :D I hope you're going to have that date night! I think we might do Mexican this weekend. Woohoo!
DeleteI too NEEDED this....We have a large family and have a hard time finding time to connect....I'm going to do my best to spend alone time with my husband this week...
ReplyDeleteYeah, I can imagine that it's tough with a bigger family. Mine is medium sized with four kids. But I find that now they are growing I have more helpers which frees up time too--I like that. Hope you find creative ways to make time!
DeleteI just found your blog recently via Pinterest and now I'm getting your posts in my Inbox. Thank you for writing and posting such important and wonderful (and fun) truths!
ReplyDeleteAwesome!! I think it's so cool when bloggers find me through Pinterest. I love that site! I'll follow your link and check out your blog too. :D
DeleteBecoming your husband's friend is great advice. Just don't wait until its too late. My wedding anniversary is tomorrow (7 years)...we were planning our very first activity date since we started having kids 4 years ago. We were going to go hiking and take just the baby (6 week old in a front carrier) with us. Due to some pictures I found that my husband was looking up a few days ago, I have cancelled our weekend plans, asked my husband to leave for the weekend so I can figure out what me and the kids are doing. We've had problems in this area (porn) the whole 7 years of our marriage. We aren't friends, and don't talk much, unless it has to do with the kids. I wish we had both been willing to work harder at being/staying friends in the beginning.
ReplyDeleteIs there a way I can view the first two weeks of this so I can start from the beginning?
ReplyDeleteSure, just click on the Revive Your Marriage button in the post and it brings them all up together. Then scroll down the page. Here's a link:
Deletehttp://time-warp-wife.blogspot.ca/search/label/Revive%20Your%20Marriage