7 Ways to Prepare Your Heart for MarriageSample

Study God’s Word

What is the design and purpose of marriage? How would you answer that question? Our world can give us many answers. Some may be consistent with God’s plan, and some may not.

Instead of trying to sort those answers out yourself, why not go directly to God’s word and see what the creator of marriage has to say about His creation? The word is “alive and active,” and God will use it powerfully as you seek Him there (Hebrews 4:12).

Start with Genesis 2:18-24. After God created everything, including man, He looked over all of His magnificent creation and said all was good. Except for one thing: Man was alone. Then God created the first woman to join with the first man in the first marriage.

Next to our relationship with God, marriage is held up as the most valued relationship we have in this life. Our marriage and our spouse are gifts to be cherished, but it does not end there. In Proverbs 18:22, the blessings of marriage are affirmed. The Message translation puts it this way: “Find a good spouse, you will find a good life - and even more: the favor of God.” That is a powerful principle and tells us what a gift marriage is.

Now, dig deeper into God’s word as you invite Him to change your heart to be more like His. Taking his word to heart protects us from sin, as we see in Psalm 119:11, “I have hidden your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” When you have worries and concerns, lay your requests before him and depend on Him as He is trustworthy. Psalm 5:3 says, "In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly."

Finally, look at Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Give your concerns over to God, fill your heart with His word, and His peace will be with you.

Over time, getting into the Word will transform you to be more like Jesus, which is the best way to be the spouse God made you to be.

Next Steps:

• Spend time in verses that help you understand God’s design and purpose for marriage.
• Pray for God to change your heart to be more like His.