Keepers of The Home
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Posted: June 18, 2022
Author: Danielle Murphy Ecclesiastes 4:12, King James Version “And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” |
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I have been learning a lot in my walk with God lately about not just being a hearer of the word, but a doer also (James 1:22-25). I have been a Christian now for over fifteen years and it has become tempting at times to let my guard down and think I know all that there is to know about scripture and walking it out. Truth be told though, I am finding that I am just a baby in the faith. I fear my relationship with the Lord has become lukewarm and my heart unteachable where it used to be soft and pliable. I am grateful to have been made aware of this sad truth, because it has always been my desire to “speak and act as those who are going to be judged” as James 2:12a says, and where there is conviction I am convinced there is still room for change.
This past weekend my husband was given the beautiful opportunity of officiating a wedding for a young man that has worked for him for the past several years. This desire was not born of my husband, but rather the groom. Over the years he had come to admire and respect my husband for the hard work he invested into his business as well as his family, and he could think of no one he would like more to do the honors of marrying him and his new bride. So, my husband filed the paperwork and accumulated the signatures he needed. He invested hours of his time putting together a ceremony that would not only challenge the bride and groom, but also anyone else in the audience that was married. It was nothing short of fabulous and I was so proud of him.
Then out of nowhere the lies of the enemy began to whisper in my ear, reminding me of his shortcomings. I am ashamed to say that I was not quick to refute them, but rather found myself agreeing with them instead. It wasn’t very long before the cloud of oppression and distrust began to darken my heart. I held my tongue, trying to carry the burden alone. I didn’t want to ruin this day for my husband, but my cold icy silence still had the same effect as if I had spoken all of the hurtful words inside my head. He left early to help set up a few things while I lingered back getting the children ready. A family member called and I nonchalantly asked for prayer for the attack I was experiencing. This was a big step for me, as I am usually too proud to ask for help physically or spiritually. Immediately after the prayer was spoken over me, I felt the dark heavy cloud of torment lift. As I tried to bring up those accusations again they simply would not stick. The bulk of the battle had been won, but I simply did not feel lovey dovey towards my husband.
I showed up to the wedding and we were cordial with one another, but didn’t enjoy ourselves like we could have. A few days later and we were still trying to get back to a place of love and warmth towards each other. Today, as we went about our daily tasks around the house I still wasn’t feeling very friendly towards the poor guy. I could see no way out of this awful rut when suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, I felt the urge to go kiss his forehead as he was sleeping in the living room. I managed to shrug it off, but it came back even stronger. As I went in and embraced him he reciprocated the love and thanked me. He said he had just prayed to God that I would come over to him and give him a kiss as he was growing weary in the fight. Tell me God isn’t amazing!? Dear friend, know that God stands ready and willing to move on your behalf for the good of your marriage! He delights in bringing you and your husband back together after you have gone through a struggle. May grace abound over you and your spouse as you continue to seek the One who is able to strengthen and sustain your marriage.
This past weekend my husband was given the beautiful opportunity of officiating a wedding for a young man that has worked for him for the past several years. This desire was not born of my husband, but rather the groom. Over the years he had come to admire and respect my husband for the hard work he invested into his business as well as his family, and he could think of no one he would like more to do the honors of marrying him and his new bride. So, my husband filed the paperwork and accumulated the signatures he needed. He invested hours of his time putting together a ceremony that would not only challenge the bride and groom, but also anyone else in the audience that was married. It was nothing short of fabulous and I was so proud of him.
Then out of nowhere the lies of the enemy began to whisper in my ear, reminding me of his shortcomings. I am ashamed to say that I was not quick to refute them, but rather found myself agreeing with them instead. It wasn’t very long before the cloud of oppression and distrust began to darken my heart. I held my tongue, trying to carry the burden alone. I didn’t want to ruin this day for my husband, but my cold icy silence still had the same effect as if I had spoken all of the hurtful words inside my head. He left early to help set up a few things while I lingered back getting the children ready. A family member called and I nonchalantly asked for prayer for the attack I was experiencing. This was a big step for me, as I am usually too proud to ask for help physically or spiritually. Immediately after the prayer was spoken over me, I felt the dark heavy cloud of torment lift. As I tried to bring up those accusations again they simply would not stick. The bulk of the battle had been won, but I simply did not feel lovey dovey towards my husband.
I showed up to the wedding and we were cordial with one another, but didn’t enjoy ourselves like we could have. A few days later and we were still trying to get back to a place of love and warmth towards each other. Today, as we went about our daily tasks around the house I still wasn’t feeling very friendly towards the poor guy. I could see no way out of this awful rut when suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, I felt the urge to go kiss his forehead as he was sleeping in the living room. I managed to shrug it off, but it came back even stronger. As I went in and embraced him he reciprocated the love and thanked me. He said he had just prayed to God that I would come over to him and give him a kiss as he was growing weary in the fight. Tell me God isn’t amazing!? Dear friend, know that God stands ready and willing to move on your behalf for the good of your marriage! He delights in bringing you and your husband back together after you have gone through a struggle. May grace abound over you and your spouse as you continue to seek the One who is able to strengthen and sustain your marriage.
