Loving Well in the Perfect Storm

It shouldn’t come as a surprise … yet, it always does. The Perfect Storm.

If you said the traditional vows at your wedding, you promised before God and those witnesses that you would love your husband when life could most succinctly be described as, “for worse.” Wasn’t it easy to say “I do” when you looked like a princess and your groom was gazing longingly into your eyes?

Love is easy to commit to hypothetically. Reality – with a fellow sinner over the course of a lifetime – is another story.

Every married couple will face their perfect storm during the course of their marriage. (Probably not something you want to mention at the next bridal shower, Debbie Downer!) A perfect storm is any set of circumstances that has the potential to destroy a marriage. It can take many forms: betrayal, chronic illness, financial disaster, an addiction, or a troubled child.

Forewarned is forearmed: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8

Just like a lion goes after the weakest wildebeest in the herd, so the devil preys on couples who’ve been depleted by one of life’s battering storms.

So how do you prevent your marriage from being the enemy’s next dinner? … Love well.

That seems like a heartless answer when you’re so depressed it’s a struggle to love yourself, much less your spouse – especially if you think he is the source of the storm. Beloved reader, that is exactly the kind of crisis that birthed Hidden Heart Ministry.

Here are a few lessons we’ve learned on loving well when going through hell.

• Pray – That seems too obvious, but isn’t it easier to complain, blame, or stuff the pain? Cry out to the One who will never leave you or forsake you. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.” Isaiah 43:2a Ask the Lord to fill you with His love – enough to share with your beloved. He is always there and His supply is endless.
• Read His Love Letter – “God is love.” 1 John 4:8b He makes it very simple for His simple sheep, doesn’t He? Even if it’s only for five minutes, soak your weary soul in God’s Word. Let the time reading the Bible replenish your love just like plugging in your phone gives it power.
• Take a Hidden Heart class. This isn’t meant to be a plug for The Cry of the Hidden Heart. It is a lifeline to a (wo)man overboard. Titus 2 says that the older women are to teach the younger women how to love their husbands and children. If you don’t know any older, wiser women to help see you through, contact us and we’ll introduce you to one. Isolation is one of the enemy’s best weapons. Reach out and let us teach you how to love your husband well, no matter the circumstance.

If you or someone you know is caught in a storm, Hidden Heart Ministry wants to be a lighthouse – a beacon of encouragement and inspiration to guide you safely to harbor. Let us help you grow in intimacy with Jesus, who has the power to speak to any storm and calm it with His Peace that surpasses all understanding.

We don’t want anyone going down on our watch.