Marital Joy

God wants a happy wife.

When Susan and I provide pre-marital counseling to couples, we take them through a little document called “Study Questions for Engaged Couples.” It’s just eight questions, but usually takes two to three sessions to work through. Because God’s Word is that packed with good stuff for marriage! (and has no directions for weddings)

Last night, in just such a session with a young couple, we covered the following text:

“When a man takes a bride, he must not go out with the army or be liable for any duty. He is free to stay at home for one year, so that he can bring joy to the wife he has married.”

(Deuteronomy 24:5, Christian Standard Bible)

Imagine a little nation, always in danger of foreign kings and powers seeking to take it over. Imagine how important it is that the young men be available to serve in the army, and fulfill civic and community responsibilities. I would say such service would be critically important to the survival of a people, and nation.

And do you know what God says is more important to the survival of a people, and a nation?
Happy wives, and happy marriages.

I love this!

And notice — God could have said,
“He is free to stay at home for one year, so that he can work on his marriage.”

But he doesn’t say that — what he says, very specifically and intentionally, is this:
”He is free to stay at home for one year, so that he can bring joy to the wife he has married.”

Isn’t that just fantastic?

God cares about our joy.
God cares about our joy in marriage.
God wants a happy wife.

If you were getting married, or know someone who is, how would you help them follow, obey, and live according to Deuteronomy 24:5? So that they might have a strong and happy marriage for years to come? It’s a lot like compounding interest I think — the more you put in up front, the far greater returns you get down the line.

It’s worth pondering.