Trusting God and Honoring Our Covenant “Until Death Do Us Part”

As my husband and I approach our third wedding anniversary this month, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey we’ve walked together. These years have been a profound learning experience—a continual process of discovering each other more deeply, understanding each other in fuller ways, and finding comfort in the unwavering truth that we are always there for each other, standing firm through every challenge, and supporting one another with love and understanding. Our marriage has been a beautiful combination of growth, joy, and, yes, deep trials. But through it all, I’ve come to realize that our marriage is not just a commitment to each other; it is a covenant with God—one that requires daily renewal, a deep reliance on His grace, and a devotion that echoes His love for us.

Have you ever stood before your spouse, pledged your heart, and felt the weight of that vow? Have you ever wondered if, in the quiet moments of life, the truth of your promise will truly sustain you? When we say “until death do us part,” it isn’t just a phrase—it is the foundation of a covenant that holds both beauty and responsibility. This is not just about being together in moments of joy, but about staying committed when life gets hard.

For me, every day in marriage should be a renewal of that sacred commitment we made before God and our loved ones. I remember vividly the moment the doors of the church opened, and I began to walk down the aisle toward my future. I could feel the weight of the moment in every step, each one echoing in my heart like the steady rhythm of God’s faithfulness. My husband stood at the altar, his face a reflection of love and hope, and in that moment, I felt God’s presence so strongly, as if He was walking alongside me. It was as though the world around us faded, and all that mattered was that unbreakable promise we were about to make.

Can you remember the moment you made that promise? When you stood before God and your loved ones, vowing to love and cherish your spouse, what did it feel like? In that moment, we know it’s not just about us. It’s about honoring God with our love, our commitment, and our partnership. But it’s easy to forget that, especially in the hardest moments.

But like any marriage, it hasn’t always been an easy road. We’ve had our share of struggles, as every couple does. For me, the loss of my grandchild, the pressures of launching a new business, and the difficult family events we’ve walked through have tested me in ways I never could have imagined. There were nights I lay awake, my heart heavy with grief, feeling like I couldn’t go on. Have you been there? Have you ever felt like the weight of life was simply too much to bear, and wondered how to keep going?

In those dark moments, I felt so vulnerable—so broken—and I didn’t know how much longer I could stand. But then I realized, our marriage wasn’t built on the foundation of my strength or our perfection; it was built on God’s love and grace. And it was in those moments of pain and weakness that God reminded me of the beauty of our covenant. Our marriage became a place where God’s healing hands could touch both of us—where we found comfort not in our own strength, but in the peace of His presence.

Do you recognize the moments where God is working in your relationship, even when things are hard? It’s easy to focus on the struggles and forget that those very struggles can help us grow. When we trust God, He uses every challenge to refine us, to draw us closer, and to strengthen our bond in ways that we never imagined possible.

Through the pain, I’ve found that our marriage is the safe place where healing begins. It’s the constant reminder that we are not alone, no matter how heavy the burdens may feel. The trials we face are not just challenges for us as individuals, but opportunities for God to refine our relationship, to shape us into better partners, and to teach us how to love each other with the same unconditional love He has for us. I’ve learned that a marriage centered on God isn’t just about enduring hardship together—it’s about growing through it, and in doing so, becoming more of what God intends for us to be as individuals and as a couple.

As I reflect on these past three years, I’m reminded that our marriage is not just a promise we made on our wedding day—it’s a daily choice to honor our commitment before God, to put our trust in Him, and to prioritize each other above all else. How do you choose to honor your spouse daily? It’s not just about the big moments—it’s about the small, everyday choices that build up the foundation of love. I know that we’ve been called to this marriage, and through every season of change, every moment of joy, and every trial we’ve faced, God has been faithful to guide us, strengthen us, and show us how to love each other in the way He loves us.

A Personal Reminder of Our Covenant: “Until Death Do Us Part”

As I was reading through my devotional from The Marriage Gift, I landed on a passage titled “Until Death Do Us Part.” It couldn’t have felt more fitting, as we prepare to celebrate three years of marriage this month. The timing seemed almost divinely appointed. This blog post, in many ways, has become a deeply personal reflection on not just our journey, but a reminder of the covenant we made before God three years ago.

Reading that devotional brought me back to the altar, to that moment of peace when I stood before God and pledged my life to my husband, knowing that this covenant wasn’t just about us—it was about honoring God with our love, our commitment, and our partnership. What does ‘until death do us part’ mean for you today? As we mark this anniversary, I’m reminded that our marriage is rooted not in fleeting feelings, but in a covenantal promise before God, one that is meant to last “until death do us part.”

The Significance of Our Third Anniversary

As we approach our third anniversary, I find myself reflecting on the profound biblical significance of the number 3. In Scripture, the number 3 often symbolizes completion, wholeness, and divine perfection. Jesus rose on the third day, signifying the completion of His work of salvation. For us, celebrating three years of marriage feels like a moment of fulfillment. It’s a reminder that this covenant we made is not just a fleeting promise but a lasting one. It signifies a season of growth, and I trust that God, in His perfect timing, will continue to complete the work He has started in us. Every year, every day together, feels like another step toward the fullness of the love He designed for us.

In 1 Corinthians 13:13, Paul writes, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” As we celebrate three years, we are reminded that our marriage is built on these three pillars: faith in God’s promises, hopein the future He has for us, and love—a love that binds us together and reflects His love for us.

Marriage After God’s Heart: A Covenant Made Before Him

Marriage is designed by God to reflect His love, grace, and faithfulness. It is not just an earthly union; it is a divine covenant that represents the relationship between Christ and His Church. In Genesis 2:24, we are reminded of the sacred nature of marriage: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This beautiful picture of union reflects God’s original design for marriage, a covenant that is unbreakable, joined together by His will and purpose.

The Strength of a Marriage Rooted in God

For our marriages to honor God, we must intentionally place Him at the center of everything we do. Marriage is meant to reflect His covenant with us, a covenant of love, grace, and commitment. When we keep God at the center, everything else falls into place. Our love for each other is stronger, our patience grows deeper, and our ability to forgive is rooted in His grace.

This covenant is not just about surviving life’s challenges, but about growing together through them. It is about loving each other with the same sacrificial love that Christ has for the Church. A marriage after God’s heart is a partnership in which both spouses commit to honoring God and serving each other, even when it’s difficult. It’s about creating a safe, loving environment where both partners can grow in their relationship with God and each other, reflecting His love to the world around them.

In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Paul reminds us of the enduring nature of love that should characterize every marriage: “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” This love, rooted in Christ’s sacrificial love for us, should define the way we love our spouses—enduring, patient, and selfless. It’s a love that, when practiced daily, creates a strong marriage that reflects God’s heart.

Keeping God’s Love at the Center: Jude 20-21

As we move through life’s trials, we are reminded in Jude 20-21 (NKJV) to “keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” This verse encourages us to remain grounded in God’s love, especially within our marriages. When we focus on God’s love and mercy, we are equipped to honor the covenant of marriage, keeping it pure, strong, and rooted in His grace. It reminds us that as we await Christ’s return, we are to keep our hearts and relationships centered on His love, making it the foundation for everything we do, especially in our marriages.

Building a Strong Marriage That Reflects God’s Love

In every marriage, there will be times of joy and times of hardship. But through it all, we must remain committed to the covenant we made before God. It’s easy to get distracted by life’s demands or the struggles we face, but when we keep our eyes fixed on God’s purpose for our marriage, we can remain grounded in His love.

A marriage that honors God requires intentionality, prayer, and sacrifice. It means choosing each other, putting God first, and seeking His guidance in every aspect of our relationship. When we do this, our marriages reflect His love, grace, and faithfulness to the world around us.

As we celebrate the covenant we’ve made with our spouses, let’s remember that marriage after God’s heart is not just about us—it’s about fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives and showing the world what His love looks like in action.

Trusting God to Strengthen Our Marriages

As we move forward in our marriages, I pray that God continues to strengthen each relationship, guiding us through each season and helping us grow deeper in love with one another and with Him. May we always keep God at the center of our marriages and trust that He will continue to build our relationships on a foundation of love, grace, and commitment.

Prayer:
Lord, we thank You for the sacred gift of marriage. Thank You for Your faithfulness in our relationships and for the strength You’ve given us to face every trial. Help us to continue honoring our covenant, trusting in Your love and grace, and keeping You at the center of our marriages. May our relationships reflect Your love and be a testimony of Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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