Hot Pursuit

Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one!

Song of Songs 2:13

EVER SINCE THEIR youngest daughter left home for college six months ago, John and Heather have been strangers living in the same house. Last night, the fighting started when John announced that he was planning an out-of-town golf trip with his buddies. In the heat of the argument, Heather blurted out, “You don’t need a wife! You just need a maid and a cook! Do you realize how long it has been since we have taken a trip together?”

The next morning, reflecting on Heather’s penetrating words, John knew she was right. He longed to recapture the long-lost passion in their relationship, but he was ashamed to admit he didn’t know how. Why couldn’t his relationship with Heather be as easy as his relationships with his buddies? Why did marriage require so much work?

It’s easy to approach our wives as just another project or task on our to-do list. We once worked hard to win their hearts, and now we have moved on to the next task. But to adequately pursue them, our own hearts must be engaged in the process. This requires effort and intentionality and being willing to step into the often scary realm of the emotions. Rather than shying away, we must courageously pursue in spite of the risks. Our wives and our marriages are certainly worth it.

BOTTOM LINE

Pursuing your wife’s heart requires courage. Ask God to give you the courage you need today.

Moment of Strength: Ephesians 5:25