Read Deuteronomy 24 – 26
When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken. Deuteronomy 24:5 KJV
A man who was newly married was discouraged from going off to war or leaving home for a prolonged time of business during the first year. This gave the new couple time to cultivate and strengthen their marriage and to start a family. Though provided so long ago there is great wisdom here. How helpful it would be for young couples to follow this advice today. The first year of marriage is crucial in developing a relationship that is able to withstand the challenges that will come with time. Too many marriages are destroyed before they even get established because couples are too busy with other things. They rush to marriage without taking the time to properly prepare for it, and once married they rush to other things without spending the time necessary to nurture a strong bond. The other things may be important but not as important as first developing a strong marriage.
Lord, how grateful I am for the value You place on having strong marriages. Help me to give it the same place of value by giving my own marriage the attention it needs to remain strong. Use me in promoting and helping others develop strong marriages as well.
