Couples Devotional
At the beginning of this year, my husband and I decided to start a daily devotional together. It was a gift from our close family friends and marriage counselors and mentors (Thank you Dan and Silvia!! :D) and we decided it was time to put it to good use! I loved the idea of taking specific time to do a devotional together, but I never thought it would do as much good as it has! Not only has it given us an opportunity for undistracted quality time together (even if it is only 5 or 10 minutes), but it has brought up some great topics of discussion that we probably would not have talked about in daily conversation! It has also given me the chance to praise and thank my husband, think about how he has blessed me throughout our marriage, and how much I appreciate the things he does for me.
The One Year Devotions for Couples was written by David and Teresa Ferguson. Throughout this devotional, many themes are covered such as Acceptance, Attention, Approval, Confession, Forgiveness, Grace, Prayer, Sympathy, and Trust. Each day includes a Bible verse, a devotional that illustrates a personal experience from the Fergusons’ life, a prayer, and a discussion question.
They said, “We believe that marriage is one of the most exhilarating relationships God has created. But sometimes marriage can be exhausting because it takes work to keep a marriage alive and flourishing. However, we can tell you- from personal experience and from our observations of others- that it’s well worth the effort it takes to deepen the intimacy of marriage.”
I have really enjoyed this particular devotional because it has reminded me that everyone is broken and everyone struggles in a marriage, not just us. David and Teresa Ferguson are very vulnerable and open about the difficulties they have had in their marriage. This book has emphasized that it takes work in a marriage, and allowing the time to continue to learn as we journey through life together is definitely necessary. Not only do they talk about the struggles that they personally had, but they also give great, tangible ways to work on those specific conflicts. That can often be something as simple as telling your spouse what you appreciate about them throughout the day or it can be taking time on your own to remember the qualities of your spouse that you first fell in love with! Just as Ashkon and I are different from one another, I want to enjoy our lifetime of learning about him and never tire of discovering new ways to care, appreciate, and love him.
The Encouragement for the Journey from David and Teresa:
“As you read through this year-long devotional, you will see real struggles in marriage- in our marriage, in the marriage of people we know, and maybe even in your own. But you will also see real and lasting triumphs. You will see that God gives us everything we need to deepen our marriages in the way He wants to shape them.”
“As you begin, we want to give you a final word of encouragement. We want you always to remember that marriage is God’s idea, and as such, He is the one who knows what it takes to help marriages not only survive but also flourish. God wants to bring you deeper intimacy with Him and your spouse through your marriage. Lend Him an ear, and let Him do what it takes to bring you that intimacy.”
What are your favorite devotionals? Have you noticed beneficial transformations in your marriage when you and your spouse take time to do a devotional together?
