7 Scriptures for Troubled Married Couples

God Can Heal Anything

But He said, The things which are impossible with men are possible
with God. (Luke 18:27-NKJV)
It seems like not one week goes by when we dont read an article
about a celebrity whose marriage is either on the rocks or coming to an
end. What it does is serve as a reminder that marriage is hard, no
doubt about it. But if youre someone who believes that it is also a
faith-based institution, then you have to remember that 2 Corinthians
5:7 tells us that we walk by faith and not by sight. Not only that but the
word tells us without faith, its impossible to please God (Hebrews
11:6). You have to have faith that God is right there with you and that
he will provide you with the wisdom to come up with the best solution
for your relationship (James 1:5). Without God, holding a marriage
together can seem pretty close to impossible. With him, though, all
things are possible!

Agreement Is Miraculous

Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning

anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in
heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I
am there in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:19-20-NKJV)
This is not simply a verse in scripture. This is a promise from the most
high, the possessor of all things (Genesis 14:19) that where two are
gathered, God is present. And where there is agreement, you can ask
what you desire from the Lord and he will grant it. Having a covenant
partner means that you always have someone to claim this promise
with whenever you need it. To know that you and yours have this kind
of access and power, why would you ever want to give it up?

Sexual Union Is Important

Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a
man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, because of sexual
immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have
her own husband. Let the husband render to his wife the affection due
her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have
authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the
husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.
Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you
may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again
so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
(I Corinthians 7:1-5-NKJV)
Sex is a huge part of marriage. Not only is it a gift from the Lord and a
physical act that cultivates oneness (Genesis 2:24-25), but as we see
here in I Corinthians 7, it is also a form of protection from sexual
immorality and the strategems of Satan. When youre not
communicating as effectively as you would like, when there are
financial pressures and professional demands, when you feel like you
are at the lowest point in your marital relationship, that is not the time
to pull away from your spouse. That is the time to come as close to
them as possible. Sex is not just about physical activity and pleasure.
The Message Version of I Corinthians 6:16 tells us that Sex is as much
of a spiritual mystery as it is a physical fact. Some truly special,
sacred and intimacy-cultivating things transpire when a husband and
wife join in sexual union. Its not simply something to do. It is a
powerful experience - mentally, emotionally, physically and yes,
spiritually.

The Holy Spirit Teaches

But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, IntercessorCounselor,

Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in
My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will
teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I
have told you. (John 14:26-AMP)
Wives, heres something that just might bring a smile to your face.
Have you ever noticed that in Genesis 2:18, God describes you as a
helper and then as you see in John 14:26, the Holy Spirit is described
as being the same thing? Not only that, but the Hebrew word for help,
in the form of a wife, is Ezer Kenegdo which basically translates into
lifesaver. Ladies, as a wife, you are in great spiritual company! You
also have a very privileged position of being a lifesaver and also
someone who brings favor to your husband (Proverbs 18:22). Allow the
Holy Spirit, the ultimate helper, to show you how to comfort, be an
advocate, intercede, counsel, strengthen and standby your husband.
You have so much more power than you think!

Forgive to Be Forgiven

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also
forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will
your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15-NKJV)
A wise man once said that a healthy marriage is made up of two good
forgivers. That said, its important to remember that divorce was not
permitted by Moses due to adultery, but a hard heart (Matthew 19:1-
12); one that tends to come from built-up resentment, frustration and
anger. Your spouse is not perfect and sometimes their weaknesses and
flaws can make being in a relationship with them irritating, at best. But
you know what? You are not perfect either, yet God still loves you and
is there for you whenever you need him. One of the best ways to
become more like God is to love and forgive your spouse. And let us
also not forget that the way to be forgiven, by God, is to forgive others
as well. How much forgiveness should you give? Well, how much
forgiveness do you need (Matthew 18:21-35)?

Believers Make Their Home Holy

But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does
not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her.
And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing
to live with her, let her not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is
sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the
husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are
holy.---I Corinthians 7:12-14(NKJV)
Sometimes the challenge in marriage comes from either being married
to someone who has a different faith than you or someone has strayed
away from the faith that you both were once very strong in. Theres no
doubt about it that when this is the case, it can be hard to be on the
same page, especially spiritually. Thankfully, the Apostle Paul was
inspired (2 Timothy 3:16-17) to remind us of the fact that the believing
spouse in the marital union still brings holiness to it and to the children
that came from the relationship. And you know what Christ said about
a true believer: all things are possible to them that believe (Mark
9:23). Believe that this is just a season (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Believe that
God makes all things beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Believe
that, this too, shall pass. And that brighter days are ahead.