MARRIAGE AND WORSHIP

A few years ago I was driving through Atlanta, singing along to this song that has always made me think of my husband:

Something brought you to my mind today

I thought about the funny ways you make me laugh

and yet I feel like it's okay to cry with you

There's something about just being with you

that when I leave I feel like I've been near God

and that's the way it oughtta be

You've been more than a friend to me,

you've fought off my enemies

and you have spoken truth over my life

and you'll never know what it means to me
just to know you've been on your knees for me

Oh, you've blessed my life more than you'll ever know.*

And as I drove along I realized I had lifted my hand up like I sometimes do when I am caught up in worship. I hadn't realized what I was doing, but before I knew it, my hand was lifted up. "Well, that's odd," I thought as I dropped my hand down and kept driving.

But the more I thought about it, the more a connection between marriage and worship isn't really too far a stretch. Because a marriage living out as God intended really is a sacrifice of worship to our God. And it's not only that, but also a picture to a watching world of the love between Christ and the church.

LORD, thank You for these ten years as Justin's wife. You know where I've done well as a wife and You know where I've fallen short. You know how you've used Justin to buff out rough edges, to speak truth, and to show me love and grace as You've done. When I think of what I thought I'd have for my life, it makes me shudder. I'm grateful that what I thought I wanted wasn't all there was. Instead, what You held in store has far surpassed my grandest hopes and dreams, even when I thought I was dreaming big. Please bless Justin with great measure for the love he has shown me.

Mr. and Mrs. Justin Nelson * July 21, 2001

*"More Than You'll Ever Know" (Watermark)