Jolting Joy Back in Your Marriage - Crosswalk PLUS Marriage Devotional

During the race my hubby smiled and stood on the sidelines, chanting, “go, go, go!” However, I was a bit more eager for more laps to be ran, (because it meant more financial gain for the school’s library), so I pushed my way on the track and encouraged the kids by rousing them up with high-fives and pats on the back. 

For a moment I felt like one of those little third graders, but between the sweat pouring down my face from jumping up and down in the heat and getting caught up in all the excitement, what really captured my heart was glancing at my hubby, finding that he was tapping into his inner child too. I realized that we both had completely forgotten about our back pain and the daily grind and stress that life brings, and were simply having fun. 

Now I am home and back at work, writing to you, my dear friend; and my other half just drove off to his office. It’s quiet and still in my house (which I secretly love), and I have finally calmed down from all the early morning excitement, but it just got me to thinking, when was the last time my sweet guy and I actually did something like that?

Honestly, it’s been a while! Don’t get me wrong, we love to hang out and do stuff together, but to be completely candid with you, the fun (and joy) in our marriage has been M.I.A. Let’s just say we have gotten into a bit of a rut where basic routines and everyday mundane rules our life. It’s almost like we suffer from Groundhog Day syndrome. We wake up, cheers our coffee cups together, and go about our day, only to meet up for dinner and crash out on the couch later that evening (which is usually super late because we have teens that stay up until all hours of the night). Then we trudge off to bed only to wake up and do it all over again. Every day has fallen into the same old patterns, and friend, that is no way to live! 

Here's the thing. If we aren’t being intentional about seeking joy and building in a little fun into our marriages, they are going to grow stale. Ugh. I know that isn’t want you want to hear, but if you and your sweet spouse are experiencing a lull in the joy and fun department, then maybe it’s high time you hit the track and start running towards some fun! 

Three ways to “jolt joy” back into your marriage that are super easy (yet we often take for granted) and are even fun to do include:

1. Laughing together. 
2. Doing something out of the norm that will tap into your inner child like go-cart riding, flying a kite, or playing a board game.
3. Sharing your dreams and praying about them together.

Psalm 126:2 reminds us to rejoice and praise the Lord for all that He has done. Let’s not ever fail to give God our thanks and praise for the blessings of our spouse. Furthermore, let’s seek to liven up our marriages by carving out time to have a little fun and bring in some joy!

Prayer:

Father, You alone are so very good to us, even when we fail to honor You for all that you have done in our lives, including our marriage. As we embrace our union and strive to see one another as Your beloved son or daughter, open our hearts to experience the fullness of this life by enjoying the rich bounty of blessings You give us and show us through Your love. We love you and thank you for the gift of joy presented to us in this sacred relationship. Amen.

Challenge: When was the last time you had fun and experienced utter joy in your marriage? What are some things you and your spouse like to do for fun? How can you implement joy in your marriage this week?

Photo Credit: Annette Sousa HW/Unsplash

Alicia Searl is a devotional author, blogger, and speaker that is passionate about pouring out her heart and pointing ladies of all ages back to Jesus. She has an education background and master’s in literacy.  Her favorite people call her Mom, which is why much of her time is spent cheering them on at a softball game or dance class. She is married to her heartthrob (a tall, spiky-haired blond) who can whip up a mean latte. She sips that goodness while writing her heart on a page while her puppy licks her feet. Visit her website at aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.

We hope you and your spouse are challenged and encouraged by today's devotional! For more of this premium marriage devotional, visit here.