A Devotional for the Bride

They say to live, love, laugh. Certainly, if you have laughter and love, the live part takes care of itself!

Laughter

The Bible speaks much of joy, and a joyful heart laughs easily. We are reminded that “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Finding joy through humor is God’s gift to help us cope with the burdens of life. It also helps us to not take ourselves so seriously. That is a good thing! Proverbs 15:15 says, “…the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.” Choose to cultivate joy every day!

Entertain Each Other

Laughter brings zest and sparkle to marriage, so entertain each other by playing that April Fool’s joke or pranking a friend together. Note humorous stories to pass on or share a funny comic you’ve read. Good, clean humor is such an easy way to brighten your husband’s day.

Use Humor Appropriately to Manage Conflict

Laughter is also great when you’re fighting! My husband is a master at cracking a joke right when I’m starting to launch into my “mad mode.” That gets me laughing in spite of myself and already we’re doing better. Maintaining a sense of humor during conflict is a great way to ease tensions.

So, be intentional about cultivating a sense of playfulness and humor in your relationship. Doing so will keep joy alive in your marriage. And joy is related to love . . .

Love

Song of Songs 8:7 says, Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. Now what is the secret of an unquenchable love? Humans are tremendously challenged when it comes to loving unconditionally. However, the good news is that when our love runs out we can replenish all we need at the infinite Spring of Living Water.

To use another metaphor, picture Christ as a towering and immovable Rock in the riverbed of life. How quickly your marriage could be swept away as the challenges of life churn past. The Psalmist cried out, . . . I call to you as my heart grows faint, “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe” (Psalm 61:2b-3). Like the Psalmist, be wise about sheltering your love on a sure and high foundation.

Dangers to Love

Song of Songs 8:7 mentions “many waters” that endanger marital survival. Let’s look at three kinds:

Rushing Waters

First, especially in the early years, rushing waters threaten to tear spouses apart. This is the busy season of life—work, ministry, raising a family. There are so many things that demand your time and attention. The busyness of life is a constant assault on your union. But with your love rooted and firmly established in Christ, you can withstand the pressures and will not lose your footing.

High Water

Second, seasons will come when storms and flood waters threaten to sweep everything away. These challenges, trials, and sorrows will rise beyond your ability to cope. Many marriages cannot withstand such times, but remember, you have an immovable Rock that towers higher than floodwaters, that allows you to rise above circumstances.

Still Waters

Third, still waters also pose a threat. Such times present no great crisis, only you find the daily mundane grind stagnating. It’s a place where nothing seems to be happening; nothing is moving forward. Perhaps a season of illness sidelines you. Or old age slows life to a standstill. Don’t be fooled, danger lurks here, too. Even still waters erode sandstone over time; however, a marriage built on the solid Rock will not crumble.

To paraphrase Song of Songs 8:7, Many waters—not stagnant waters, not rushing waters, not flood waters—can quench love sheltered in the Rock of Ages, nor can it be washed away. The verse goes on to say, If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned. What a treasure to “have and to hold” this kind of love.

Bridal Blessing: As you live, love, and laugh, may you and your beloved dwell in the shelter of the Most High, may you rest in the shadow of the Almighty. May you say of the Lord, “He is our refuge and our fortress, our God, in whom we trust” (based on Psalm 91:1-2).