Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger. (Zephaniah 2:3)

According to the Bible, God created the universe as an act of love and enthusiasm. Earth, among the planets and stars, was to be home to creatures who reflected the characteristics of God and interacted with God in dynamic ways. Sin marred that relationship, but in love and forgiveness, God continued to reach out to his creatures.

In the early years, this relationship took the form of a covenant between God and Abraham’s descendants. The accountability clauses in the covenant between God and Israel at Mount Sinai included blessings for keeping the covenant and curses for not keeping it. Throughout Israel’s history, God urged his people to be faithful, warning them against breaking faith with him.

Marriages too are covenant relationships with accountability. Good marriages in which partners keep faith with each other and the Lord usually blossom with blessings that overflow to others, such as children, neighbors and church members. Conversely, bad marriages in which covenants are broken and trust is destroyed bring pain into countless lives. Some couples are riding the crest of blessing right now. Others are suffering the painful consequences of foolish and unfaithful acts.

Regardless of the circumstances, every marred couple may have confidence in this: God is gracious. As Zephaniah reminds us, if we truly repent of our sin and humble ourselves before God, we will receive forgiveness, hope, reconciliation and healing. As we move toward restoration of our marriage commitments, we can be certain that God will walk with us, encouraging us all the way.

LET’S TALK

1. What vows did we make to each other on our wedding day? What are some promises that we’ve made to each other since then?
2. Which vows and promises have we kept? Which have we failed to keep?
3. What accountability clauses are implied in our relationship? What are some of the blessings of keeping our promises to each other? The curses of not keeping them? How does keeping them strengthen our relationship now and for the future?

Hope this devotion will help us once again to introspect on our covenant and promises, to build a strong marriage for God’s blessings.