Ignite Your Marriage: 7 Days to Deeper Love & Lasting ConnectionSample

Protecting Your Marriage

Scripture:"Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that's where life starts."-Proverbs 4:23

Most marriages don't fall apart in one big, dramatic moment. They unravel slowly—like a slow leak in a tire. You don't notice it at first, but eventually, you're stranded on the side of the road, wondering, "What happened?" Lisa and I have seen it time and time again—couples who seemed solid from the outside but quietly drifted apart over time. And here's the thing: the drift starts so subtly you don't even realize it's happening.

We've been there. Early in our marriage, we thought "protecting" meant locking the doors and setting the alarm at night. (And yes, I still double-check those locks like I'm guarding Fort Knox.) But over time, we realized the biggest threats to our marriage weren't coming from outside the house but from within. Distractions. Assumptions. Little compromises. Protecting your marriage isn't about fear—it's about being intentional.

Here's what we've learned about guarding what matters most:

1. Guard Against Emotional Drift
Did you know the average couple spends only four minutes a day in meaningful conversation? Four minutes! That's less time than it takes to heat up leftovers. Between work, kids, and the never-ending cycle of life, it's easy to live like roommates instead of soulmates. If you're not actively growing closer, you're drifting apart. Some of our best connection moments have been the simplest ones—10 minutes of uninterrupted conversation, a quick coffee date, or even just laughing together over something silly. Those little moments matter.

2. Set Boundaries with Technology
Here's a wild stat: the average person touches their phone over 2,600 times a day. That's not just a distraction—it's a disconnection. Ever caught yourself scrolling while your spouse is talking, only to realize you missed everything they just said? Guilty! Technology can be a blessing, but it's also a thief if we're not careful. That's why Lisa and I created "no-phone zones" in our home—during dinner, on date nights, and especially in the bedroom. Your spouse deserves your undivided attention.

3. Protect Your Marriage from Outside Influences
Affairs don't start in the bedroom—they start in the mind. A thought, a casual text, or a connection outside your marriage can grow into something dangerous if you're not careful. We've seen it happen. That's why we're serious about boundaries. If someone or something is pulling your attention away from your spouse—emotionally, spiritually, or physically—it's time to cut it off. Protect your marriage like it's the most valuable thing you own—because it is.

4. The Power of Forgiveness
Here's a sobering fact: resentment is one of the top predictors of divorce. It's like rust—it eats away at your relationship slowly but surely. Forgiveness isn't easy, but it's necessary. Letting go of resentment doesn't excuse the hurt, but it does free you—and your marriage—to move forward.

Protecting your marriage isn't about living in fear—it's about living with focus. It's about choosing each other, day after day, even when life gets messy. Here's our challenge: take one intentional step today to guard your marriage. Maybe it's putting your phone down, apologizing for something you've held onto, or scheduling time just for the two of you.
The strongest marriages don't happen by accident—they're built on purpose. And trust us, the effort is worth it. Your marriage is worth it.

Prayer: God, help us protect what You've given us. Show us any weak areas in our marriage. Give us the wisdom to build strong boundaries. Amen.

Reflection:

· What boundaries do you need to strengthen in your marriage?

· How can you better support each other in maintaining boundaries?

· What situations might need more careful attention?