How to Embrace Change Together in Marriage - PLUS Marriage Devotional

Embracing change is difficult for most people, but can be even more difficult in marriage. It requires healthy communication and deep sensitivity to the other person's way of coping. Whether it's a cross-country move, a change in your family dynamic, or a new season of retirement, it's best to embrace the change together. Here are a few encouragements for the journey.

Embrace God's Guidance

When couples seek God's guidance through change, even the unexpected becomes manageable. Instead of figuring things out independently, you come together in full reliance on the Holy Spirit's counsel. By doing this, you can rest assured that even when the road is bumpy, your marriage is held steady by the will of God. He will keep you strong as you continue to trust His guidance.

As Romans 12:2 reminds us, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." The world tells us to take charge and do things our own way, but this rarely leads to unity and can cause division.

Embracing God's guidance means we look to Him first before seeking advice from outside sources. We resist Googling the answers and trust the One who has all the answers. When couples seek God's will together, His peace covers them as they venture into unknown seasons of change.

Embrace The Process

If you've been married for any length of time, you know how differently your spouse handles change. This can quickly become a source of tension between you, but remaining sensitive and understanding makes the process less challenging. A healthy dose of patience and regular communication will guide you through your differences without anger and resentment.

1 Peter 3:7 sheds light on this, saying, "Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers."

This passage is a beautiful reminder that wives have invaluable gifts that accompany their husbands' leadership. When they receive respect, honor, and grace, wives are more than willing to partner with their husbands in embracing life's changes. The beauty of mutual edification includes bearing with each other's way of processing and supporting one another without judgment.

Embrace Literally

Physical touch is a foundational part of love and unity in marriage. We shouldn't deny it or resist it if we want to embrace change together. Intimacy is a consistent way for couples to reconnect, decompress, and be unified through demanding seasons.

If you think about it, many people go to the gym after work to release stress. Sexual intercourse also provides release, not only of built-up tension, but of "feel-good" hormones. Embracing each other literally also includes:

-Holding hands while watching TV.

-Spending time in each other's presence (without our phones)

-Hugging often, lingering in a warm embrace

-Giving shoulder rubs and massages

There's nothing like physical touch for a closer connection in marriage. When coupled with healthy communication, mutual respect, and God's guidance, embracing change together becomes significantly easier.

Let's Pray: Holy God, You know how difficult it can be to navigate change in marriage, but with You, all things are possible. Please strengthen our bond as we seek Your will and trust Your guidance. Help us respect one another, be patient with one another, and make intimacy a priority. We trust You, Lord, through every twist and turn of the journey. In Jesus' name, amen.

Application: In what way is it difficult for you to embrace change? Choose one Bible verse from this devotion to meditate upon as encouragement to lean on God and your spouse.

Challenge: Make a list of things you appreciate about your spouse. Share it with them and let them know how thankful you are that you get to embrace change together.

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Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth. 

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