Modern Woman. Modern Life. And GodSample

Problem Solving

One of the more distressing facts of life is that every marriage must face problems. These cannot be sidestepped but must be faced and resolved:

*Children can be a great source of enjoyment, but they can also add stress to a marriage. The mothering instinct is so strong in many women that they tend to neglect their husbands as they care for their children (see 1Sa 1:8). At times, a wife will even deceive her husband in favor of her child (Ge 27:1–29). A wife must remember that her union with her husband is second only to her relationship with God.

*Financial problems can also put undue stress on a relationship, especially if the couple bickers over who is going to make what sacrifices. If a couple will seek God’s direction in financial matters, he will be faithful to meet their needs (Mt 6:33; Php 4:19).

*Unresolved anger can build into resentment and bitterness so that meaningful communication ceases (Heb 12:15; Eph 4:26).

*The temptation and the opportunity to be unfaithful is ever present (Pr 7:6–23). An intimate and vibrant fellowship with God will undergird the relationship between the husband and wife and provide strength and vitality to the marriage.

*Isolation, the state of being excluded, is one of the more subtle maladies of marriage. Marriage can easily slip out of priority. People take their mates for granted, give their attention to other urgent matters and soon warmth and communication have diminished. The remedy for isolation is to guard the marriage relationship tenderly and to give priority to your spouse, being open and honest and not keeping secrets from one another.

Problems can be a negative weapon in a marriage, dividing hearts and destroying unity, or they can be a positive catalyst for recommitment and renewal.