Stormy Days
Have you ever woken up and it a stormy, cloudy day? The rain is falling, the pitter pat of it hits the roof, and the deck outside. You just listen with anticipation for the thunder, and wait for the flash of the lightening strikes? Its calming, but also it can be a bit scary if a thunderstorm rolls in. I think new beginnings can sometimes feel like a stormy day. Calming, yet a bit scary waiting for the unknown.
Unknown
The definition of unknown means not known or familiar. To be unfamiliar with something can be intimidating. We love to be comfortable, but when you step into a new beginning in life and your marriage, it could be very uncomfortable. Unsettling and awkward are words that come to mind when I think of a new beginning that I’m not familiar with and that may not be easy for us to walk into.
Fear
Fear is an emotion that can take us places in our mind that paralyze our natural bodies. If we aren’t careful, we can believe something that isn’t true as we start something new in our lives. Maybe it’s just a new season and it feels like we won’t make it because of a hurt that has recently happened. Fear can cause you to shut down, or not embrace what is inevitable. God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but gave us power, love and a sound mind to deal with the fear we can create, or even attacks that come our way. In marriage we can deal with fear in unhealthy ways if we aren’t careful.
Rain
Rain brings new life! We have to have rain to see growth, and to see the nourishment of plants and trees. We need water also to live, and we are made up mostly of water. Rain cleanses, it nourishes, it is a source of water that pools and refreshes. If you have the right perspective, then you can see a stormy day as a blessing. New beginnings are a chance to start over, and to see growth as we push past what is comfortable and into what is needed for us to change and be what God called us to be.
Marriage Changes
When you have changes in your marriage, it can be unsettling and hard at times. Embracing it together is not always easy, but will help you to become one, and know you can weather any storm that comes your way. Spring usually is full of storms, and so it can cause damage depending on the severity of the storm, but it also bring new life. You see flowers bloom, trees start to have leaves and blooms coming on their limbs, and new grass comes up. Change is necessary for new life!
Disaster
Disaster may strike and leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure. You may have to start over and build again or you won’t make it. Life isn’t over at this point, it’s sometimes just the beginning. It may be that the disaster or heavy storm that comes your way is just Gods way of clearing a path. Look at it through His eyes and see what He is trying to show you. I know people who have lost a home and it drew them closer together as a married couple, I have also known those who have fallen apart when disaster strikes. It’s really up to you how you look at your circumstances.
Look Up
When the storms of life come, and push you into your new reality, remember to look up. Jesus is with us, and waiting for us to look up, call His name and allow Him to show us His goodness and mercy. In our most difficult times in our marriage and life, when we looked to Jesus to help us and to heal us, are some of the most precious times of our lives! He was there, patiently waiting on us to look to Him to help us start our new beginnings that became some of our greatest adventures!
Prayer
Our prayer for you this week is that whatever you’re facing, or you may be going through, that you look to the One who can lead you and help you to that new beginning, He has planned, to help you to become one in your marriage. Storms will come, but God is greater than your storm! He is waiting and willing to lead you to safety, and to your new beginning!!
Scripture
Monday: Matthew 8:24-26 says, “And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.” Jesus know how to calm every storm in your life! Thank Him today as you enter a new beginning that may seem like unmanageable waves!
Tuesday: Philippians 4:11 says, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” We may be starting something new and unknown, but we can be content.
Wednesday: 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” We don’t have to live in fear!! Learn and quote this scripture as you face your new beginning.
Thursday: Psalm 135:6-7 says, “Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.” Rain is a blessing!! Pray for the right perspective!
Friday: Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” When change comes in your marriage, know God will strengthen and uphold you!! He brings new life!!
Saturday: Psalm 23:4 says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” No matter what disaster comes, God is with you and will comfort you! He cares about your marriage!!
Sunday: Luke 21:28 says, “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” I know this scripture is referring to the last days, but we can also draw from it strength that when things seem to be too much, as the days are evil, we can look up to Jesus!! He is the author and finisher of our faith!! He can redeem us!!
Contact
Please feel free to contact us at janene@happilyevermarried.org, and share or read other blog posts at http://happilevermarried.org
Thank you for investing in your marriage and you can have a happily ever married marriage too!!