3 Ways to Rediscover God’s Purpose For Your Marriage During Transitions

Change.

This is a word that scares many of us.

Humans tend to be creatures of habit. Yet, in life, change is inevitable. How do we, as Christian couples, respond to periods of transition in our lives?

As adults, these transitions can look like moving to a new city, starting a new job, losing a job, being diagnosed with health issues, bringing a new child into the family, losing a loved one, etc.

Our lives change in countless ways, sometimes suddenly and unexpectedly.

How can we realize and lean into God’s design for our marriage during these transition periods?

Unity During Transition

During periods of change, many decisions need to be made. You’re constantly hearing voices and opinions from all angles, weighing in on what you should do. Sometimes, the stress of how to handle the situation can cause friction in your marriage.

However, during these times, being united with your spouse is more important than ever. The devil hates marriage and wants to cause division among families however he can.

God’s purpose for marriage is for us to be one with our spouses. Yet, often, that’s easier said than done. The best way to come together in your marriage during difficult times is to turn to God’s Word and prayer.

Make decisions together as a couple through prayerful consideration and spending time in God’s Word.

“… ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:5-6, ESV)

Peace During Transition

Peace is a word that is often used by believers and non-believers alike, but what does true peace amidst uncertainty look like?

How do you have peace when you don’t know if healing is ever coming in this life or if your finances will stretch until your next mortgage payment is due?

The worry that transitions bring adds stress to a marriage. We need to be intentional about seeking the peace that comes only through Jesus when we fix our eyes on eternity instead of our earthly troubles.

As spouses, that means reminding each other of God’s faithfulness and where our true hope lies.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, ESV)

Praise During Transitions

It may sound cliché to “dance in the rain,” but we are called to praise God in all circumstances. Some days, our gratitude comes much easier than others.

Learning to praise God in the valleys takes some work.

Sometimes, this means worshiping even when you don’t feel like it. It involves opening your Bible on days when you just don’t have the time or motivation. It requires recounting God’s faithfulness when so many things in your life seem to be going wrong.

God doesn’t change, even when our circumstances do. He is faithful and worthy of our praise. As married couples, we need to be in the habit of turning to God with our praise in the good times and bad.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)

A Marriage Built on the Rock

In our marriages, we should be encouraging one another and pointing each other towards Christ.

When life changes, it can leave us on shaky ground, feeling uncertain about a lot of things. This is when we must remember who our Rock is, keeping us secure.

Take your spouse’s hand in this transition, hold it tight, and walk alongside them as a united front filled with the peace only Jesus brings, praising Him for His faithfulness.

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:15-16, ESV)