As "love month" still has a few more days, I am so glad I stumbled onto this image from "The Voice of Truth".
A faithful spouse is such a gift. This world is full of temptations and marriage must be viewed as special and intentionally protected. "I will never leave you, nor forsake you." is a statement that is perfect for the binding covenant of marriage.
It is a big promise. It means that we will choose to love, even in the moments that "like" is in question. Of course, "like" is a major factor in a good marriage. It helps us sustain and choose love daily, from sunup to sundown. Like, love, passion, romance, adventure, storms, sweet moments, smooth waters and trials all come in the marriage package. As in our faith, there are times we grow more in the struggles if we choose continue to choose love.
Friends, love is not a feeling. It is an intentional decision. Romance is more emotionally packed. It is good. But it is not enough to go the distance. Marriage is a perfect commitment to an imperfect person. Love is the glue.
Billy and Ruth Graham were always a fun couple to watch. They were a team. He could not have done the things he did without her support and encouragement. I imagine, she would remind him to take some down time to rest and restore. He was so full of passion, he likely needed her to say. "Billy, slow down." or "Billy, have you prayed it through?" She was "with him" all the way, until her last day. 10 years they were apart, as she died in 2017. For her it was a blink of an eye, but the days for him, were surely long at times.
I imagine Joshua felt a deep grief when he took the leadership of Israel after the death of Moses. He would lead them into the promised land. Moses had tough shoes to fill. The people could be impatient and difficult at times. Joshua knew it. He must have been in awe that God would intrust the people to his leadership... and he must have been overwhelmed. After 40 years. they were antsy and ready to claim the promised land. This is what God said to Joshua:
"No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you." -Joshua 1:5
What a promise! It was a promise made and a promise kept.
It is a great day to celebrate promises kept in marriage, in friendship, in family, in faith and the ones our God has planted in His Word that they might take root in our hearts and grow.
Today, I am grateful for promises kept.
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