I was reading the psalm we all know so well this morning, Psalm 23:2: “He leadeth me beside the still waters.” We know that a shepherd always leads his sheep to peaceful and tranquil waters. They will not drink from turbulent waters.
The Hebrew word for still means “a resting place, an abode, figuratively consolation (specifically matrimony).” When God was looking for the best place for His people to dwell Numbers 10:33 tells us that “the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them . . . to search out a RESTING PLACE for them.” It is the same Hebrew word.
When Naomi was saying goodbye to her daughters-in-law and encouraging them to stay in their land and find a husband she said: “The LORD grant that you may find REST, each of you in the house of her husband.” The Berean Study Bible says: “May the LORD enable each of you to find rest in the home of your new husband.”
God, who is the giver of all good things, intends marriage to be a place of rest. Sadly, many marriages are places of turbulence and upheaval. That’s the devil’s plan. But God’s plan is peace and rest. We must stay on God's side to help bring peace and rest to our marriages and homes.
This may not be easy. But God, who lives within you by the power of His Holy Spirit and who sheds abroad His love in your heart, is able to give you the power to do this. Instead of reacting when your husband says something nasty or derogatory, answer him with sweetness and softness (Proverbs 15:1). You can’t do it in your own strength but only by the power of the Holy Spirit. If you can’t trust yourself to say the right thing, well, don’t open your mouth at all. Keep your mouth shut!
Marriages are ruined and destroyed by words! Our words have power to build up or pull down (Proverbs 14:1). To bring life and refreshing or destruction. Even when Jesus was accused at the time of His crucifixion, “He answered never a word.” When He was reviled, he did not revile back. When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate. When He suffered under their hands, He made no threats (1 Peter 2:23).
Do everything you can, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to make your marriage a place of rest. That is God’s beautiful plan for you. I love Isaiah 28:12 which says: “His rest shall be glorious.” When you have rest and security in your marriage, it is such a glorious way to live. God wants you to live a glorious life.
Be blessed today, Nancy Campbell