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In the United States today many married couples are facing greater financial difficulty than ever before. The housing market has cooled and thousands of families are struggling to keep their homes. The Mayo Clinic cites financial problems as one of the chief reasons why married couples need counseling (1).
A typical recession only lasts a few months, but it is a painful run and can have devastating consequences. Just as we need to take action to protect our finances in times of recession, we need to take steps to protect our families as well. Don’t let a financial crisis foreclose on your marriage.
As Christian married couples, we are in this world—but not of it. (See John 17:15-18.) It’s important to note that being in this world means that we face the same obstacles as everyone else. The difference is that we have the Lord Jesus to help us with both our financial and marital issues.
It doesn’t take long for the strain of economic woes to clog your peace of mind. What happens to you when you’re filled with financial worry? What happens to your spouse? Many of us become moody and as cranky as a wet cat, and we eat lots of chocolate—right?
The book of John tells us that we’ve been equipped with the same glory that God gave to Jesus (John 17:22). That glory unites us with the Lord and with our spouse. The Greek word for glory is doxa, which denotes honor and respect. During times of increased financial strain it’s important to extend extra doxa — honor and respect — to your spouse. Financial downturn provides you with a unique opportunity to lift your marriage partner up while you look for practical solutions together.
The Lord is there when you sit with your spouse at the kitchen table and pour over your bills. James 1:5 encourages us that God will give you wisdom when you ask him for his help. God is the expert at making a way where there seems to be no way. (See Isaiah 42:16 to find a promise for the Lord’s help.) But, even still, human nature makes us tense up when money worries abound.
Predictors of a love recession
When debt soars, dryness results. At one time, you may have been glowing, but financial pressure can lead to a sense of lethargy and a general lack of interest. Your spouse senses it when this happens to you. To him/her it starts to feel like all of the excitement is gone.
Often times in an economic recession the Federal Reserve will step in and cut interest rates to balance the economic situation (2). Whether or not that’s always the best solution is a matter of debate, but for the sake of this example, let’s consider the potential benefits. Just like the United States as a country counts on the Federal Reserve to help bring stability, we as citizens of heaven can look to God for a strategy on how to steady our financial frets in marriage.
Go back over Isaiah 42 and remind yourself of God’s promise. Ask Him to help you and try these ways to protect your marriage from suffering a slump along with a distressed economy:
Home prices have fallen, but your love and marriage don’t have to fluctuate negatively with market downs. Remember that in God’s economy things are different. Loss is gain. The weak are made strong. (See Isaiah 40:29 and 2 Corinthians 12:9.) When you and your spouse choose to take stock in God’s word, you’ll experience new mercy and the benevolent dividends that it provides.
Your greatest assets are your relationships with the Lord and with the loved ones that he has given to you. No matter what economic season the world is in, you are hedged in heaven’s care. Won’t you share that encircling love with your husband or wife today? When you do, you’re affirming your faith, as a couple, in Jehovah Jireh your provider. He’s the Lord who sees your every need and meets it!
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19)
Notes:
1. Mayo Clinic, “Marriage counseling: Working through relationship problems”
2. MSN Money Investing, Stocks Soar after Fed Acts
* All verses taken from the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible.
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Tags: finances, Jacqueline Overpeck, marriage, Men, relationship, Women
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This is wonderful to my hearing. My hungry soul is greatly fed. Now I’m happy and promised to follow this advice to the letter.
May God reward your team for this spiritual solution to marriages.
Thanks.
Funke.
Same as above.
I need this great information regularly.
Thanks.
learning more daily and spiritually growing ,needs more.
thanks
edelyn
im going tru a lot of trails at this moment,my husband has been searching for a job despirately since we relocated to Abuja from Jos,despite the fact he’s a graduate, im the only person working,earning very little and thats all weve been living on, our little daughter is living far away from us cos we cant afford to takecare of her now, its so depressing not to have your family living happily together, your article has giving me some hope,i pray i can endure longer. pls i need to become stronger with my prayer life, what can i do to achieve that. thank u and God bless.