Preparing for Vows: A Plan for Engaged CouplesSample

To have and to hold from this day forward

“To have and to hold from this day forward.” Even if you have never been to a wedding, you’ve undoubtedly heard this in every TV and movie wedding.

Speaking about marriage to His disciples, Jesus says in Matthew 19 that a husband and wife “join” and become “one flesh.” The ESV version says the man shall leave his mother and father and “hold fast” to his wife.

This beautiful vow isn’t just talking about cuddles when it says “to have and to hold.” It’s speaking to the new family you are creating when you enter into marriage. Per God’s design, no longer is your first responsibility to your parents or anyone else. As soon as you say “I do,” your first responsibility, after your loyalty to God, is to your spouse. No other human should come before your spouse after making your vows.

What does this look like practically? How does it impact your decision-making? How does it impact your everyday life?

It means your spouse is your new partner in life. Decisions are made together, and priority in every sense of the word goes to your spouse.

At Awesome Marriage we have a quick and easy four-fold method for checking if your spouse and your marriage are truly a priority: When it comes to your marriage, is it in these four places?

• Your calendar
• Your budget
• Your thoughts
• Your prayers

If your marriage is in all four of those places, then you’re making it a priority.

Today let’s prepare our hearts to “join” and “hold fast” to your future spouse. Make a plan now of how you will prioritize your soon-to-be spouse.

Challenge: Pray and meditate on what it means to “join together” with your future spouse. What does “holding fast” mean to you? How do you think God wants you to prioritize your spouse? What can you do today to plan to have your marriage and your spouse in the four places mentioned?