Author name: Lian Smit

Emotional connection between a husband and wife refers to that deep sense of security and belonging that assures you: “We are in this together.” It is the experience of feeling known, understood, accepted, valued, and emotionally safe with your spouse. It means that you can comfortably share your thoughts, feelings, fears, disappointments, dreams, and needs with one another. It means you are confident that your spouse will make an effort to understand you rather than dismiss, attack, or reject you.  It is important to understand that emotional connection is not a once-off milestone you reach and then always experience. Every marriage goes through seasons of closeness and distance. The goal is not to avoid disconnection, but to recognise when it happens and intentionally reconnect.  7 ways in which to grow your emotional connection in 2027 1. Make your relationship a priority With so many things demanding our attention – work, family, finances, household chores – a marriage can easily become about what needs to be done instead of what is necessary to stay connected. If life has become more important than your relationship, it is time to intentionally make your marriage a priority again. Do not wait until you have spare time. Create time. Schedule regular time together without phones, children, or television. A date does not have to be expensive. Going for a walk or a drive together, having coffee, or sitting outside in the garden are all opportunities to reconnect. Ask each other, “How are we doing as a couple?” and “What do you need more of from me?” 2. Learn to listen to what is behind your spouse’s words When your spouse speaks, do not immediately defend yourself, give advice, or try to solve the problem. Listen for the emotion behind the words. Instead of saying, “That is not true; I do spend time with you,” try saying, “It sounds like you have been feeling lonely. Tell me more.”  The goal is not necessarily to agree with everything your spouse says; the goal is to understand their experience. Listening is one of the most powerful ways to say, “You matter to me”.  3. Deal with conflict Do not allow yesterday’s arguments to become next year’s resentment. Learn to say you are sorry and admit that you were wrong. Tell your spouse, “I understand why that hurt you,” or “Can we start this conversation again?” Learn from the disagreement and decide how you are going to apply what you have discovered in the future.  Matthew 5:23-24 emphasises the importance of taking relational brokeness seriously and seeking reconciliation. Colossians 3:13 tells us to forgive as the Lord has forgiven us. A strong marriage is not one without conflict. It is a marriage where you learn how to repair your relationship after conflict.  4. Practise appreciation deliberately Train yourself to notice what your spouse does right, not only what they do wrong. Be specific about what you appreciate. Instead of simply thanking your spouse, say, “I appreciate how you handled that situation with the children today.” Appreciation communicates: I see you. I notice you. I care about you. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus our minds on what is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. This is a useful principle for marriage: deliberately look for what is good in your spouse.  5. Turn towards instead of away from each other When you are disconnected, you often develop your own separate worlds. To avoid drifting apart, you need to intentionally turn back to each other. Respond when your spouse reaches out. Look up from your phone. Make eye contact. Give a hug. Ask another question. Show interest in their story. Small moments matter.  6. Pay attention to each other’s love language According to the relationship framework developed by Dr Gary Chapman, there are five love languages: physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, and gifts. You and your spouse likely experience and express love differently, and your love language can also change as you move through different seasons of life. The key is to learn how your spouse receives love and then  communicate love in ways that are meaningful to them. Create a space to discuss what makes each of you feel loved.  7. Create a shared vision for 2027 A shared vision gives you something to move towards together. Talk about every aspect of your marriage: your relationship, family, finances, friendships, spiritual life, health, dreams, and experiences. Here are some questions to get you going:  Importantly, a Christian couple’s shared vision should ultimately answer the question: how can our marriage and family honour God?  Be intentional about emotional intimacy, every day Your goal for 2027 should not be a perfect marriage. The goal is to have a marriage where you both intentionally keep choosing connection. Because emotional intimacy is rarely destroyed in one big moment, or restored in one big moment. It is built through the small things you do repeatedly.  Importantly, remember that you are not doing it on your own. When you intentionally build your relationship with Christ at the centre, you are not simply trying harder to have a better marriage. You are striving to build your marriage around God’s design for love, commitment, forgiveness, and oneness.  Questions to think and talk about:

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honour God with your bodies.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 A healthy marriage is built on a strong connection on three different but equally important levels: emotional, spiritual, and physical. Physical connection plays a central role in helping you and your spouse feel loved, safe, valued, and close to one another. Importantly, physical intimacy is not only about sex – it includes affection, caring for one another’s health, doing physical activities together, and creating healthy habits as a couple.  When you intentionally nurture your physical connection, you create opportunities for closeness, trust, and deeper companionship. So, how do you strengthen your physical connection?  1. Practise regular physical affection Physical touch is one of the simplest ways to communicate love and affection. A hug, holding hands, a gentle touch on the arm, a kiss on the cheek – all of these say: “I am here for you. You are important to me.” Physical affection should always be safe, respectful, and mutually welcomed. To grow your physical connection, both of you should feel comfortable expressing your needs and boundaries. It is important to remember that not every physical touch needs to lead to sexual intimacy.  Here are a few ways in which you can intentionally build connection through everyday affection:  These small moments can help you remain physically connected even in busy or stressful seasons of life.  2. Be intentional about your sexual intimacy Sexual intimacy in a godly marriage should be approached as a shared experience – it is not about meeting the individual need of one spouse. As we read in 1 Corinthians 7:3 – “The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife and likewise the wife to her husband.” A healthy sexual relationship involves communication, mutual desire, respect, openness, and consideration for one another. Talk honestly about your needs, expectations, and concerns. Instead of assuming that your spouse knows what you want, create a safe environment where you can both share your thoughts without shame or criticism. Ask questions like:  Another important aspect is knowing what gets your spouse in the mood. There are mainly four areas of seduction:  If you do not know which one most excites your spouse, make an effort to find out what sexual language your spouse most wants you to speak.  Lastly, never use withholding sexual intimacy as a weapon. “Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer.” (1 Corinthians 7:5)  3. Care for one another’s physical health Caring for your spouse’s health is another way to show love. This means encouraging each other to stay healthy and making healthy choices together. 4. Build a shared active lifestyle Physical activity is a crucial part of overall health, and it is also an opportunity to spend time together and strengthen your connection. You do not need an expensive gym membership or a complicated exercise programme to stay active. Find activities that you both enjoy. Here are a few examples:  The goal is not only to get fit and stay healthy but also to share life. When you participate in these activities together, you spend valuable time in each other’s company and create memories. 5. Create healthy routines Busy work shedules, children, household responsibilities, and everyday stress can easily cause you to neglect your relationship without intending to or even realising it. A healthy marriage needs healthy routines that keep you connected:  Consistency is key A strong marriage is not built in one big moment. It is build through hundreds of small moments of love, affection, respect, and care. Questions to think and talk about: 

Psalm 23:6 is one of those familiar verses to many of us that we often read absentmindedly, without fully considering or comprehending the meaning. However, these few words hold several powerful truths and promises from God. This verse is much more than a comforting statement; it is a covenant promise from a faithful God to His people – as individuals and in our relationships.  The security of “surely” The first word that deserves our attention is “surely”. This word leaves no room for doubt. It speaks of certainty. David is not saying that goodness and mercy might follow him. He is saying they will follow him.   Psalm 23, verses 1 to 5, describes the different ways in which the good shepherd takes care of His sheep. He provides, guides, protects, restores, and comforts His flock. Verse 6 is the natural result of living under the care of such a shepherd.  In other words, if you have entrusted the good shepherd with your life and your marriage and to lead you every step of the way, goodness and mercy are guaranteed to follow. God always delivers what He promises.  God will provide everything you need The first blessing that David mentions in this verse is goodness. The Hebrew word used here is “tov”, which means good, beneficial, beautiful, valuable, and pleasing. This word speaks of God’s active provision and favour in our lives. It refers to everything God provides that is useful and helpful for life. God’s goodness flows from His character and His covenant relationship with His people – it is not dependent on our circumstances.  Another word that “tov” can be translated to is grace. The definition of grace is receiving a blessing you could never earn.  For married couples, this means that God will provide everything you need to build a healthy and successful marriage. This includes providing wisdom when you must make important decisions, strength during difficult seasons, peace during conflict, and provision when resources seem limited. As husband and wife, you can trust that God knows exactly what you need and that He can provide it. He is giving all of this even though you did nothing to earn it. He is giving it to you out of the covenant relationship He has with you.  Forgiveness and restoration are yours The next blessing is mercy. The Hebrew word used here is “hesed”. The definition is: not receiving the punishment you deserve. This word carries a much deeper meaning than kindness or pity. It speaks of steadfast love, loyalty, covenant faithfulness, and unwavering commitment. Hesed describes God’s decision to remain faithful to His people even when they fail, wander, or make mistakes. This is not passive love. It is active love that rescues, protects, forgives, and restores.  A godly marriage mirrors God’s mercy in how you treat one another. You will both make mistakes. Together you will face disappointments and failures. But when you reflect on God’s mercy towards you, you will learn to forgive one another, remain committed, and keep loving one another even in difficult seasons.  Goodness and mercy go together Goodness, or grace, and mercy are two sides of the same coin: God’s covenant love. God’s goodness gives us what we do not deserve, while His mercy means He withholds the punishment we do deserve.  Goodness supplies us with what we need; mercy covers our weaknesses. Goodness allows us to experience favour we do not deserve; mercy brings forgiveness. Goodness celebrates what is pure and beautiful; mercy restores what sin destroys.  Goodness and mercy ensure that you are completely cared for throughout life’s journey.  God’s divine protection is always over you The verb “follow” paints a beautiful picture of God’s active involvement in our lives. In ancient Hebrew culture, kings were often protected by bodyguards who followed them closely wherever they went to keep them safe. In the same way, God’s goodness and mercy pursue us continually. They are like divine bodyguards, protecting us as we move through life. Even though you do not know what lies around the next corner or what the future holds, you can rest assured that God’s goodness and mercy are guarding you.  While goodness and mercy are covering you from behind, your Shepherd is walking out in front of you. You are covered and protected. Whether you go in or out, it is under His protection. For your marriage, this means that God is actively involved in protecting and strengthening your relationship. He is constantly working for your good.  Dwelling in the house of the Lord for eternity The verse ends with a powerful statement: “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Dwell means to remain, stay, live, or spend time in God’s presence. When you embrace God’s goodness and mercy, you will experience the joy of His presence.  Importantly, this promise is not only for this life – it lasts forever. Your personal relationship with God is destined to continue for eternity, when you will experience His presence in a whole new and awesome way in heaven.  Being able to dwell in the house of the Lord speaks to your identity, as individuals, and in your relationship. You are not outsiders. You are members of God’s family. You are His children and heirs. You have access to Him and can call Him Father.  What a wonderful promise for marriage. When you walk with God as a couple, He continually invites you into His presence. The more time you spend with Him and build your relationship around Him, the stronger your marriage will become.  Experiencing and living the truth of Psalm 23:6 A healthy marriage is not built on human effort alone. It is built on God’s goodness and mercy operating in the lives of two people who choose to walk with Him daily.  When these truths become part of your marriage, you will experience God’s protection over your relationship, His provision for your needs, His forgiveness when you make mistakes, His guidance during difficult decisions, His faithfulness even when circumstances change, and His

This verse teaches us something amazing about God. He does not hide us away from our enemies or remove every difficult situation from our lives. Instead, He prepares a table for us right in the middle of those situations so that we can stay close to and connected to Him.  This promise is not only true for us as individuals. It is also true for us as husbands and wives walking the journey of life together in marriage.  Why prepare a table amidst our troubles? As encouraging as these words are, they do make us wonder about the purpose: why prepare a table in the presence of our enemies? There are at least two important reasons. 1. God is King over everything God is King. His authority is not limited by your enemies or by your circumstances. He can prepare a table anywhere He pleases, because He has sovereignty over all creation and everything in it. God is essentially saying, “Whatever the enemy is planning, it does not change who I am. I am still King.” You can not avoid your enemies and the difficulties they bring; it is part of life. However, God invites you to sit down and enjoy fellowship with Him amidst the challenges you are enduring. In His presence, you can find safety and peace. Even though the enemy will try to attack you, he can not destroy what God protects.  The same is true in marriage. The enemy may bring conflict, disappointment, fear, hurt, financial pressure, or temptation. If you stay close to God as a couple and keep your eyes on Him, you will experience His protection and care.  2. God delights in His children  Just like a loving father is proud of his children, our Heavenly Father delights in us, despite our sin. He wants the enemy to know that no accusation against you has any power because you belong to Him. Through the blood of Jesus, you are united with Him, giving you permanent access to His table. Romans 8:1 says: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”  When God invites you to sit at His table, He is declaring that you are His child. No allegation, shame, or guilt can separate you from His love. You simply need to accept His invitation and walk closely with Him.  Obedience is key Being invited to a table God has prepared, where you can experience His presence and protection is a great privilege. To enjoy this privilege requires that you remain obedient to Him. As a married couple, your relationship with God should be at the center. Sin will separate you from God. However, when you walk in obedience and live by His Word, you will consistently experience His presence, peace, wisdom, and protection.  Experiencing God’s blessings Being at God’s table also gave us access to His blessings. He anoints your head with oil In biblical times, being anointed with oil signified honour and blessing, showing that the person was chosen for a special purpose.  God has also chosen you for a specific purpose and equipped you to handle whatever comes your way. He has not left you to figure out how to navigate life’s challenges on your own. Through His Spirit, He gives you the wisdom, strength, and authority you need to overcome difficulties.  As a married couple, you are called to represent Him and to build a marriage that reflects His love. When you stay close to God, He will give you the tools to achieve this.  Your cup will overflow “My cup overflows.” What a beautiful and encouraging phrase. It paints a picture of abundance. God promises more than just enough. He not only gives you what you need for yourself – He also gives you enough to bless others.  In marriage, you are meant to bless one another. A healthy marriage will overflow with love, grace, forgiveness, patience, kindness, and encouragement. This applies even – and especially – when you are experiencing difficult times, keeping in mind the first part of the verse. God will bless you in the most unexpected ways when you are being challenged; you should do the same for one another and for those around you.  Keep your eyes on Jesus This verse harks back to when Peter walked on water. As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he stayed above the waves. But as soon as he focused his attention on the storm around him, he began to sink.  Psalm 23:5 teaches us to keep our focus on the table God has prepared and on Him who sits at the head of the table, instead of on the enemies that surround the table. This is the place where He wants to spend time with you, speak to you, strengthen you, and share His heart with you so that you can deal with your difficulties the way He intends you to.  Help one another stay focused on the One who is in charge There will always be enemies around the table as you navigate life as a married couple: financial pressures, stress, busyness, conflict, misunderstandings, hurt, disappointment, fear, anxiety, temptation, sickness, spiritual attacks – the list goes on.  However, you do not have to live in fear of being overcome by these enemies, because Jesus has already secured the victory. In  Colossians 2:15 it say that Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities, and triumphed over them. The enemies around the table may be real, but they are not in charge. Your enemies are under His feet.  As husband and wife, you need to help and encourage one another to keep your eyes on the table and on the One who sits at the head. There will always be storms, but there will also always be a place at His table. And in His presence, you will find peace, protection, joy, and everything you need to stand strong together.  Questions to think and talk about:

Today’s Thought Jesus never stops caring for the marriages that are rooted in Him. In every season, He is faithfully growing something beautiful. Scripture 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 – “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” Devotion Every beautiful garden has a gardener. Trees do not care for themselves. Someone waters them, removes the weeds, prunes the branches, protects them from disease, and helps them grow.  Our marriages are no different Jesus is the Gardener of every marriage that is surrendered to Him. Long before anyone could see the first roots, He was already at work.  He watered your relationship when it was young, strengthened you when you were weak, carried you through seasons when you felt like giving up, celebrated your joys, and stayed close during your pain.  Sometimes the Gardener prunes the tree. Pruning can be uncomfortable. Old habits must be cut away. Pride must be removed. Unforgiveness must be dealt with. Poor communication must be replaced with grace and understanding. At first, pruning feels like a loss. Later, we realise it was preparing us for greater growth.  The Gardener also understands the seasons. He knows that winter does not mean failure. A tree may appear lifeless during winter, but beneath the ground the roots are still alive.  Many couples experience “winter seasons.” Perhaps communication has become difficult. Work, illness, or grief has drained your energy, or you feel tired.  Do not lose hope.  The Gardener has not abandoned His tree. He knows exactly what your marriage needs. Keep on trusting in Him, praying together, choosing one another, and growing your roots deeper into His love.  In time, spring will come again. New leaves will appear, fresh fruit will grow, and your marriage will continue to become everything God designed it to be.  As Psalm 1 reminds us: “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers.” ( Psalm 1:3)  May your marriage be deeply rooted in God’s love. May your roots grow deeper every year.  May your home become a place of peace. May your lives produce fruit that blesses many people. And may Jesus, the Master Gardener, continue His faithful work in your marriage until the day you stand before Him together. Question to think and talk about: Looking back over these seven days, where do you believe Jesus is currently working in your marriage, and how can you cooperate with Him in that area? Challenge End this devotional journey by praying together. Thank God for every season of your marriage – the joyful seasons, the difficult seasons, and the seasons of growth. Then renew your commitment to one another by praying this prayer:  “Lord Jesus, thank You for being the Gardener of our marriage. Help us to remain deeply rooted in Your love. Teach us to love one another as You loved us. May our marriage bear fruit that honours You and blesses others. Strengthen our roots, guide us through every season, and make our home a place where Your presence is always felt. Amen.”

Today’s ThoughtA Christ-centred marriage creates a home where people find love, acceptance, peace, and hope. ScriptureEzekiel 31:6 – “All the birds of the sky nested in its boughs, all the animals of the wild gave birth under its branches; all the great nations lived in its shade.”  DevotionOne of the greatest gifts a mature tree can offer is shade. On a hot day, people naturally look for a tree where they can rest. Families gather beneath it. Children play under its branches. Friends enjoy conversations in its shade. The tree becomes a place of comfort, safety, and refreshment.  God wants our marriages to become that kind of placeYour home should be the safest place your husband or wife knows. It should be a place where mistakes can be admitted without fear, where forgiveness is freely given, where people are encouraged instead of criticised, and where laughter is heard more than arguments.  Your children should feel safe in your home. They should know they are loved, accepted, and valued.  Friends should leave your home feeling encouraged. Even strangers should experience kindness when they meet your family.  Sadly, many homes become places of stress rather than peace. Busy schedules, financial pressure, unresolved conflict, and constant criticism can slowly steal a home’s joy. That is why we must intentionally create an atmosphere of love.  Kind words, warm welcomes, patient listening, shared meals, praying, and laughing together. These moments create lasting memories and help make a home a place where people long to be.  Ask yourself today: “If someone spent a day in our home, would they experience the love of Christ?” Healthy marriages do not only bless the husband and wife. They become a blessing to everyone around them.  Question to think and talk aboutWhat is one thing we can do to make our home feel even more welcoming, peaceful, and safe for one another and for others?  ChallengeInvite someone into your home this week – a family member, neighbour, friend, or another couple. Share a meal, spend time together, and intentionally be a source of encouragement.  Pray togetherFather, thank you for the home You have given us. We pray that it will become a place where Your peace is felt every day. Help us to speak words that build one another up, to forgive quickly, to listen carefully, and to love generously. May our children, family, friends, neighbours, and even strangers experience Your grace whenever they spend time with us. Make our home a place of safety, healing, laughter, and rest. Amen.

Today’s Thought The greatest testimony of your marriage is not what you say, but the fruit your lives produce every day. Scripture Galatians 5:22-23 – ” But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Devotional When a tree reaches maturity, it begins to produce leaves and fruit. The leaves make the tree beautiful. They show that the tree is healthy and alive. The fruit is even more important because it provides nourishment for others.  A healthy marriage is like that As your relationship grows, people begin to see the “fruit” of your marriage. They notice the way you speak to each other, how you solve problems, how you show respect, and how you love one another. Your marriage becomes a living testimony of God’s work in your lives. Not every tree produces the same fruit. An apple tree does not try to grow oranges, and an orange tree does not compete with a pear tree. Each tree produces the fruit it was created to bear.  God has given every couple unique gifts, personalities, and a purpose. Some couples are gifted in hospitality. Others encourage people through their wisdom. Some have a heart for serving, while others invest deeply in mentoring younger couples.  Your marriage does not have to look like anyone else’s. God asks you to be faithful with what He has entrusted to you.  Leaves also remind us of the people who become part of our lives. Friendships come and go. Some people stay with us for many years, while others are only part of our lives for a season. Sometimes we experience the pain of saying goodbye because people move away or pass into eternity.  Just as trees lose their leaves during autumn, we also experience seasons of loss. But the loss of leaves does not mean the tree is dying. It is preparing for a new season. There are seasons of great joy and seasons of sorrow. Seasons when your marriage feels full of fruit, and seasons when life feels difficult and exhausting.  Do not lose heart. If your roots remain in Christ, new fruit will come in God’s perfect time.  Stay rooted in Him, and He will continue His work in your marriage. Question to think and talk about What fruit do we hope other people experience when they spend time with us as a couple?  Challenge Choose one fruit of the Spirit that you both want to grow in this week. Encourage one another and intentionally practise that quality every day.  Pray together Heavenly Father, we desire that our marriage would reflect Your character. Fill our hearts with the fruit of Your Holy Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Help us to encourage one another to become more like Christ each day. May everyone who meets us experience Your love through the way we speak, serve, forgive, and care for one another. Let our marriage bear fruit that brings honour to Your name. Amen

Today’s Thought As God expands your lives, never allow the blessings around your marriage to become more important than the marriage itself.  Scripture Romans 11:17 -18 – “If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, don’t consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.” Devotion As a tree grows taller and stronger, the branches begin to spread in every direction. In the beginning there are only a few, then more appear. Before you realise the tree becomes full and beautiful.  Branches remind us that life is expanding.  In marriage This is the season when children become part of the family. The young branches grow from the strength of the trunk and receive life from the same roots.  Children are one of God’s greatest gifts, but they also bring new responsibilities. They need love, guidance, discipline, patience, and time. It can be easy for husbands and wives to become so busy raising children that they forget to care for their own relationship.  Remember this important truth: Healthy children grow best on the strong trunk of a healthy marriage. Your marriage is the trunk of the family. Your children are not meant to become the centre of your relationship. They are meant to grow from it. Branches also represent our careers, ministries, friendships, responsibilities, dreams, and the many opportunities God brings into our lives. As life becomes fuller, we must be careful not to allow our schedules to become more important than our marriage. A tree with too many unhealthy branches becomes weak. In the same way, a couple can become so busy doing good things that they stop investing in the best thing – their relationship.  Keep growing together, talking, laughing, and making time for one another. As your family grows, let your love grow too.  Strong branches are supported by a strong trunk, and a strong trunk depends on deep roots. Everything is connected. Question to think and talk about What “branches” are growing in our lives right now, and are any of them taking time or attention away from our marriage? Challenge Set aside one uninterrupted hour today to spend together without phones, television, work, or other distractions. Use the time to enjoy each other’s company and simply reconnect as husband and wife.  Pray together Lord, thank you for every blessing You have entrusted to us – our family, our work, our friendships, and every opportunity You place before us. Help us to manage these blessings wisely without neglecting the relationship You have given us. Teach us to keep our marriage at the centre of our family and to make time for one another, even during life’s busiest seasons. May our home be built upon love, unity, and Your presence. Amen.

Today’s ThoughtA strong marriage is not built by avoiding storms, but by standing together through them with Christ as your foundation. ScriptureJob 14:7-9 – “At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail. Its roots may grow old in the ground, and its stump die in the soil, yet at the scent of water it will bud and put forth shoots like a plant.”  DevotionAfter a tree has spent time growing strong roots, something exciting happens. A trunk begins to grow above the ground.Now everyone can see the tree.The trunk stands tall in the sunshine, but it is also exposed to the wind, rain, heat, and storms. The tree can no longer hide beneath the soil. It must face whatever comes its way.  Marriage is much the sameThere comes a time when your relationship faces the realities of life. Bills need to be paid, careers become demanding, children may arrive, and parents grow older. Health challenges, disappointments, misunderstandings, and unexpected changes become part of your journey.  These challenges are not signs that your marriage is failing but rather signs that your marriage is growing.  A young tree becomes stronger every time it survives a storm. In the same way, every challenge you face together can make your marriage stronger if you allow God to use it.  The strongest marriages are not the ones that have never experienced problems. They are the ones who have learned to stand through life’s storms.  Sometimes the wind will bend a tree. There may be days when you feel tired, discouraged, or overwhelmed. There may even be moments when you will  wonder how you will make it through.  Remember this: a tree with deep roots may bend, but it does not have to break. When your roots are planted in Christ, you can face life’s difficulties with hope. God can restore what feels broken. He can breathe new life into weary hearts, just as He brings new shoots from what appears to be a dead tree.  Every storm is an opportunity to trust Him more deeply. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to us?” try asking, “Lord, what do You want to teach us through this season? “Storms do not have the final word – God does. Question to think and talk aboutThink about a difficult season you have already faced together. How did God help you through it, and what did you learn about each other? ChallengeSpend time thanking God for one difficult season that has made your marriage stronger. Then pray together about a challenge you are currently facing and ask God to help you stand together, instead of against each other.  Pray togetherFather God, thank you that you never promised a life without storms, but You did promise that You would never leave us. Help us face every challenge as a team, instead of allowing difficulties to drive us apart. Give us courage when we feel weak, wisdom when we face difficult decisions, and patience when life becomes overwhelming. Strengthen our commitment to one another so that every trial we experience will deepen our love and our faith. May our marriage stand firm because it is built upon You. Amen

Today’s Thought The strength of your marriage will never be greater than the depth of your roots in Christ. Scripture Ephesians 3:17 – “…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love…”  Devotion After a seed has been planted, the first thing that begins to grow is not the trunk or the branches. It is the roots. No one applauds the growing of the roots, no one sees them grow. Everything important is happening beneath the ground.  The roots quietly push deeper into the soil, searching for water and anchoring the tree. The deeper they grow, the stronger the tree becomes.  Marriage grows the same way The strongest part of your relationship is often the part that nobody else ever sees. It is the conversations you have late at night, praying together when life becomes difficult, choosing forgiveness after an argument, holding hands when words are hard to find, and learning to listen instead of trying to win. These hidden moments become the roots that keep your marriage standing when the storms come. Storms in life are not meant to destroy your marriage. They reveal how deep your roots have become. Many couples spend enormous amounts of energy making their marriage look good on the outside while neglecting what is happening beneath the surface. God is more interested in your roots than your appearance. Deep roots are developed by spending time with Him. Every prayer strengthens your roots. Every time you read His Word together, your roots grow deeper. Every act of worship, obedience, forgiveness, and humility anchors your marriage more firmly in Christ. If your marriage is rooted in Jesus, you may bend during difficult seasons, but you will not be broken.  Question to think and talk about Which spiritual habit has helped our marriage the most, and what new habit can we begin this week to strengthen our relationship with God? Challenge Read one chapter of the Bible together today. Afterwards, each share one thing that stood out to you and pray about how you can apply it to your marriage. Pray together Father, thank you for being the source of our strength. We want our marriage to be deeply rooted in You. Help us to spend time in Your presence and to build our relationship on Your truth rather than on our feelings or circumstances. Give us deep roots that will keep us standing through every storm we face. May our love for You always be the foundation of our love for each other. Amen