Marriage from A to Z

“Vows in the midst of the Virus”

“I Carolyn Ausby, take you, William Tatem, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy law, in the presence of God I make this vow.”  Does this sound familiar? I remember saying these vows over twenty years ago.    How many of you remember saying them or attended a wedding and heard someone else say them?   Many say these vows, but unfortunately, there are many who do not keep these vows. “A vow is a solemn promise to do a specified thing.”  As we all endure this season of the “Coronavirus better known as COVID-19, I want to encourage us all to remember the promises of God and for married couples to remember their vows to each other.  

Some marriages/families are being impacted more than others.  A husband/wife has loss his/her job, or is experiencing a decrease in income.  Some are working in front line professions and have to be a way from their families for long hours to serve,  some have loved ones who are sick or in a facility where they can not receive visitors right now.   In the midst of it all, some have loss loved ones and have funerals to attend.  Let me not forget the expectant moms who are preparing to deliver and bring a precious gift into the world.  The job of being a parent is on like never before because many are use to sending their kids to school for a break.  However, schools are closed and many students are working from home.

With all of that being said, I want to encourage every couple to hang in there!  Remember the vows that God has made to you and the vows that you have made to each other.  No matter how challenging life may be, go to LOVE (God) to get love and keep giving it to your spouse and to your family.  God will see us through!   When you feel depleted because of everything going on, that is usually a sign that you need to spend some more time with LOVE (God).  God has an unlimited supply of everything that we need.  He NEVER runs out.  If we ever needed the Lord before, we sure need Him now!  Draw closer to God and watch Him draw closer to you (James 4:8).

I also want to encourage us all married or single to remember the vows/promises that God has made to us.  Here are a few to mediate on in the midst of the virus.

1. Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
2. Isaiah 20:31 – “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
3. Isaiah 41:13 – “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you.”
4. Deuteronomy 31:8 – The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.”
5. Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you.” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
6. Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
7. 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.’

Let us use this as a time to remember the vows that God has made to us and the vows that we have made to each other.  God will see us through!

Until next week . . .

Carolyn