Audio By Carbonatix

Marriage Made New

By: Jennifer Waddle

“And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” (Revelation 21:5 ESV)

It’s impressive when people take something old and turn it into something new. My husband has this talent and has restored cars, furniture, and entire rooms. He has a way of turning tarnished things into beautiful treasures.

When comparing this to marriage, many couples are worn out, tired, and rough around the edges. They desperately need renewal. But instead of putting in the elbow work and doing what it takes to thrive, they often retreat into further disarray.

As Easter approaches, let this be the turning point that allows God to restore your marriage into a priceless treasure. Here are a few ways to look forward to a marriage made new.

Look Upward First

Have you ever wondered if ants notice the shadow of a footprint before someone steps on their anthills? Or are they so focused on what’s right in front of them that they aren’t prepared for what’s next?

Looking upward in marriage means turning our focus from the all-consuming things in front of us and fixing our gaze on the Savior. It means rising above what the world tells us, such as “Do what makes you happy,” and instead, seeking what makes us whole.

Marriages are made new by first looking to God and seeking His righteousness. It means we trust that His ways are higher, better, and certain.

If you’re struggling to see past your current circumstances and believe you are stuck in a broken marriage, meditate on this passage with an openness for renewal:

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4 NKJV)

Look Inward Next

It’s easy to blame our spouses for the tension in our marriages, but there are always two sides to things. Without regular self-examination, we’ll find ourselves in a constant cycle of finger-pointing and discontentment.

Allowing the Holy Spirit to make your marriage new involves casting off fleshly desires that override God’s perfect plan. This might include:

• Getting personal counsel to reframe your perspective and develop more compassion
• Reading Bible-based marriage books for wisdom and understanding
• Journaling your honest feelings and finding Scriptures that speak truth over them

Keep in mind this isn’t about self-condemnation, but rather, an examination of your heart, mind, and motives. Let God soften the harsh edges and renew your love for your spouse. This can become a regular, healthy practice that brings restoration like nothing else.

Look Forward, Not Back

Easter is a wonderful time to look forward, not back. As Resurrection Sunday arrives, there’s a sense of renewed hope for the future – eternity in heaven with the Savior. What could happen if you took this same mindset into the restoration of your marriage?

• Past offenses would be forgiven
• Painful memories would be healed
• Regrets would be met with Christ’s cleansing power

To see your marriage made new, look toward a bright and beautiful future full of love and opportunity. Plan for new ways to connect, build memories, and work on problems before they become bigger than necessary.

Taking something old and worn out and turning it into something new is a gift. Thankfully, God gifts every couple with the wisdom, help, and resources needed to make their marriage shine.

Let’s Pray: Holy God, thank You for my marriage and the newness of life You breathe into it. Through the resurrection of Your Son, You give us a glimpse into eternity—eternity with You. Lord, until that day, please restore my marriage, making it into a lovely treasure to be valued and cherished. We need Your help, Lord, and trust You to give it. This Easter, let it be a turning point for us as we commit our troubles to You. Thank You for making all things new. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Application: Create a new habit of looking upward, inward, and forward by giving thanks for your spouse, examining your own heart, and planning for a brighter future.

Challenge: Start a new marriage devotional or book such as “New Marriage, Same Couple: Don't Let Your Worst Days Be Your Last Days,” by Josh and Katie Walters. Commit to a few minutes each day, seeking wisdom and guidance for renewal.

Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth. 

We hope you and your spouse are challenged and encouraged by today's devotional! For more of this premium marriage devotional, visit here.

Audio By Carbonatix

Marriage Made New

By: Jennifer Waddle

“And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” (Revelation 21:5 ESV)

It’s impressive when people take something old and turn it into something new. My husband has this talent and has restored cars, furniture, and entire rooms. He has a way of turning tarnished things into beautiful treasures.

When comparing this to marriage, many couples are worn out, tired, and rough around the edges. They desperately need renewal. But instead of putting in the elbow work and doing what it takes to thrive, they often retreat into further disarray.

As Easter approaches, let this be the turning point that allows God to restore your marriage into a priceless treasure. Here are a few ways to look forward to a marriage made new.

Look Upward First

Have you ever wondered if ants notice the shadow of a footprint before someone steps on their anthills? Or are they so focused on what’s right in front of them that they aren’t prepared for what’s next?

Looking upward in marriage means turning our focus from the all-consuming things in front of us and fixing our gaze on the Savior. It means rising above what the world tells us, such as “Do what makes you happy,” and instead, seeking what makes us whole.

Marriages are made new by first looking to God and seeking His righteousness. It means we trust that His ways are higher, better, and certain.

If you’re struggling to see past your current circumstances and believe you are stuck in a broken marriage, meditate on this passage with an openness for renewal:

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4 NKJV)

Look Inward Next

It’s easy to blame our spouses for the tension in our marriages, but there are always two sides to things. Without regular self-examination, we’ll find ourselves in a constant cycle of finger-pointing and discontentment.

Allowing the Holy Spirit to make your marriage new involves casting off fleshly desires that override God’s perfect plan. This might include:

• Getting personal counsel to reframe your perspective and develop more compassion
• Reading Bible-based marriage books for wisdom and understanding
• Journaling your honest feelings and finding Scriptures that speak truth over them

Keep in mind this isn’t about self-condemnation, but rather, an examination of your heart, mind, and motives. Let God soften the harsh edges and renew your love for your spouse. This can become a regular, healthy practice that brings restoration like nothing else.

Look Forward, Not Back

Easter is a wonderful time to look forward, not back. As Resurrection Sunday arrives, there’s a sense of renewed hope for the future – eternity in heaven with the Savior. What could happen if you took this same mindset into the restoration of your marriage?

• Past offenses would be forgiven
• Painful memories would be healed
• Regrets would be met with Christ’s cleansing power

To see your marriage made new, look toward a bright and beautiful future full of love and opportunity. Plan for new ways to connect, build memories, and work on problems before they become bigger than necessary.

Taking something old and worn out and turning it into something new is a gift. Thankfully, God gifts every couple with the wisdom, help, and resources needed to make their marriage shine.

Let’s Pray: Holy God, thank You for my marriage and the newness of life You breathe into it. Through the resurrection of Your Son, You give us a glimpse into eternity—eternity with You. Lord, until that day, please restore my marriage, making it into a lovely treasure to be valued and cherished. We need Your help, Lord, and trust You to give it. This Easter, let it be a turning point for us as we commit our troubles to You. Thank You for making all things new. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Application: Create a new habit of looking upward, inward, and forward by giving thanks for your spouse, examining your own heart, and planning for a brighter future.

Challenge: Start a new marriage devotional or book such as “New Marriage, Same Couple: Don't Let Your Worst Days Be Your Last Days,” by Josh and Katie Walters. Commit to a few minutes each day, seeking wisdom and guidance for renewal.

Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth. 

We hope you and your spouse are challenged and encouraged by today's devotional! For more of this premium marriage devotional, visit here.