Love Always: A 5-Day Marriage DevotionalSample

Day 4: Love Is Fun

When Camille and Asher were dating, they loved having fun together. Whether it was hiking, shopping, going to concerts, or simply playing a board game together, they seemed to laugh all the time. They enjoyed being playful and doing just about anything with one another. However, a few years of marriage and a couple kids later, stressful bickering had replaced their fun times together. Discontented sighs replaced giggles. They struggled to find the laughter and joy that had bound them together early on in their relationship.

There’s a famous quote from actor Victor Borge that says, “Laughter is the closest distance between two people.” And scientific research shows that sharing a laugh with a friend or spouse is linked to the “quality, closeness, and social support” within that relationship. Laughter, humor, joy, and fun are gifts for your marriage! Laughter and joy are not only for the young and in love; they’re for seasoned couples to enjoy and grow from as well. This idea may not seem very spiritual, but Proverbs says a merry or cheerful heart is like good medicine. And if your relationship is starting to look like Camille and Asher’s, it might be time for some good medicine. You might simply need to intentionally set aside time for fun.

What does this look like? You don’t need grand gestures or expensive dates. (Although sometimes they’re nice!) Laughter and joy can be found in simple moments: rocking out to a song in the car together, sharing a goofy look when out with friends, or sending each other funny memes during your lunch break. It’s about sharing the good things of life with your spouse. It’s about pursuing moments and activities together that help foster companionship.

If you’re uncertain about what activities you can enjoy together, especially as you navigate different seasons of life, experiment with new ideas. If you like puzzles and he likes competitive activities, try doing an escape room. If she likes pickleball and you want an indoor activity, try ping pong. Maybe all you can do right now is build a pillow fort on the living room floor and order in pizza while the kids sleep! Any kind of activity together is going to be better for your relationship than mindlessly scrolling your phones from opposite ends of the room.

Ask God to give you both ideas on how to have fun together. You can even get ideas from a dating playbook or by looking for ideas online. Maybe you do an activity your spouse loves like you would when you were dating. You may surprise your spouse (and yourself) with how much fun you can still have!

When fun and laughter become part of the bedrock of your relationship, you’ll experience increased intimacy, unity, satisfaction, levity, and enjoyment in your marriage, even when challenges or frustrations arise. As you become each other’s greatest companion and your friendship grows, so will your confidence and trust in one another.

Right now, no matter how old you are or how long you’ve been married, you’re invited to embrace fun together. It only takes a moment to intentionally welcome laughter and joy into your relationship. In this way, you can create a marriage that is not only enjoyable but will also show the world a glimpse of God’s love and joy.

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for my marriage. Help me to remember to take time to have fun and laugh with my spouse! Please unite us together in every way. Let our marriage be a witness to the world of Your great love, affection, and joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.