Finding Joy and Fulfillment
In marriage when reality and disillusionment pervades the spirit and the original feelings of love evaporates it is time to step back, look at your strengths and the successes you have experienced in your relationship. God said in Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” God does not want you to give up on your marriage but continue to trust and put your hope in Him. Acts of kindness, encouragement, and offering forgiveness helps to strengthen your relationship. It is possible, if couples desire, to recapture love and passion for one another by seeking to understand one another’s strengths. All of us desire to be heard, known, and loved. We suffer emotionally when we feel hurt, neglected, or misunderstood. Understanding our strengths help us to bond the marriage relationship, creating a relationship that brings joy and fulfillment.
You may feel that all is hopeless and feelings for one another are dead but God has placed each of us exactly where He wants us to be. In Jeremiah 29:11 the Lord declares, “For I know the plans I have for you…”
Evaluate and recognize each others strengths and weaknesses. I Corinthians 7:7 “…But each man has his own gift from God, one has this gift, another has that.” God gives each one of us different gifts and strengths to compliment one another. Have you ever considered that we all have different gifts but love is available to all of us? Allow God to use those gifts and strengths you possess to strengthen your marriage and ask Him to love your spouse through you.
Embrace and celebrate your differences in your marriage and make the choice to be in the relationship and love one another. “True love is not a feeling by which we are overwhelmed. It is a committed, thoughtful decision.” (M. Scott Peck, The Road Less Traveled, p 119)
Brenda
Brenda Luther is a Professional Christian Life Coach with an Advanced Certificate in Christian Life Coaching and a Diploma in Christian Life Coaching. She is also a member of the Life Care Team at The Summit Church in Kernersville, NC and a member of AACC (American Association of Christian Counselors). 
