Challenges of a Millennial Marriageনমুনা

How Do We Stay Married in a Culture of Divorce?

Devotional Content:

The challenges for married millennials are many. Not only do you live in a culture that does not put a high value on marriage, but only 26 percent of people between the ages of 18 and 29 are married. In comparison, 48 percent of baby boomers at that stage of life were married.* In addition, many of you came from broken homes, so you never saw healthy, thriving marriages. But don’t let all those statistics get you down. Remember what Jesus told us in John 16:33: “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world” (CSB). Jesus never promised us an easy life. What He did promise is that He would always be there for us. He will always have the answers we seek. Our role is to shut out the shouts of the world so we can listen to Him. How do we stay married? Here are three points that will help you go the distance:

1. Commitment. At one point you stood together at an altar before God and promised to stay married forever. It was a deal between the two of you and God. He will always do His part. You just have to do yours. One of the things that saddens me the most when I hear of a young couple divorcing is that they will never know the joy that comes through persevering through hardship together. Nancy and I were married at 20. There were so many times in those early years that we could have walked away from our marriage, but we didn’t. Staying committed and persevering with God at our side is what built the marriage we have today.
2. Pray together every day for each other and for your marriage. I don’t care if you pray silently or out loud or if you are kneeling, standing, or lying down. Just pray. I promise you that God will show up.
3. Each day see each other as a gift from God. Cherish your gift. Never take each other for granted. Serve each other as Jesus has served you.

Final thoughts: Never give up. Get help if you need it. Fight together for your marriage!

* “Millennials in Adulthood: Detached from Institutions, Networked with Friends,” Pew Research Center, March 7, 2014, [http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2014/03/07/millennials-in-adulthood/]

Today’s Challenge:

Recommit to each other and to your marriage. Promise to fight together no matter what life brings your way.

Going Deeper:

Begin to pray each day for each other and for your marriage. Keep it simple. Then ask God to help you see your spouse through His eyes every day. Thank Him for the gift He has given you.

Resource:

Too many marriages today are struggling to survive when God intended for them to thrive. Take a practical step toward building an awesome marriage by signing up for Dr. Kim's One Thing email. Each day you will receive one practical thing you can do to grow your marriage. Sign up here: [One Thing Email]