Of all human relationships, marriage is the most intimate. It is in this relationship that our innermost being is revealed, our body and soul exposed. It is where we feel love in depth and breadth unlike any other. Sadly it is also where we can be wounded mortally, hurt in ways beyond words. And for this reason, it is in our marriage that we must feel safe and secure. But what if there is fear? Or doubt? Or shame? Secrets wound marriage and even as I knew this, I kept some. I made compromises. When I could not find intimacy in my marriage, I went out looking for it in the wrong places and in the wrong people. I let outside forces break into my marriage and give wide access for outsiders to rip it apart. I failed to protect my husband and my marriage. But God allowed me to rebuild, restore and transform it. He said there is no fear in love. I am blessed that as each of my secrets unraveled, the perfect love of Christ cast out all my fears and shame, cleansed me of guilt and blame. God's love overflowed to Paul and he was able to forgive, accept and embrace all of me , my secrets, my baggage and my sins.
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Lord, you know all the secrets I hide, even those I hide even from myself because of shame. Yet You love me and accepted me for my flaws, mistakes and sins. Despite these imperfections, the depth of Your love for me is unfathomable, Your faithfulness, immeasurable -- forgiving me, accepting me and making me feel safe. I have failed many times in this area especially in my relationship -- seeking intimacy elsewhere, looking for comfort on worldly things and compromising the sanctity of my marriage. Forgive me for being earthly. Keep me steadily committed to making an amazing breakthrough in my marriage and convict me further to demonstrate love despite obstacles and struggles. Help me and my husband, heal each others scars, forgive each others mistakes, accept each others history and rebuild broken trusts -- lastly and mostly, be each others safe Haven :) Amen.
He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
-- Proverbs 17:9
You have searched me, Lord, and you know me... Before a word is on my tongue, you, Lord, know it completely.
~~ Psalm 139: 1 & 4
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Lord, you know all the secrets I hide, even those I hide even from myself because of shame. Yet You love me and accepted me for my flaws, mistakes and sins. Despite these imperfections, the depth of Your love for me is unfathomable, Your faithfulness, immeasurable -- forgiving me, accepting me and making me feel safe. I have failed many times in this area especially in my relationship -- seeking intimacy elsewhere, looking for comfort on worldly things and compromising the sanctity of my marriage. Forgive me for being earthly. Keep me steadily committed to making an amazing breakthrough in my marriage and convict me further to demonstrate love despite obstacles and struggles. Help me and my husband, heal each others scars, forgive each others mistakes, accept each others history and rebuild broken trusts -- lastly and mostly, be each others safe Haven :) Amen.
He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
-- Proverbs 17:9
You have searched me, Lord, and you know me... Before a word is on my tongue, you, Lord, know it completely.
~~ Psalm 139: 1 & 4