Devotionals

Taking Time for Intimacy

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Why is it that many of us marry our “soul-mate” and after a few years end up with a “room-mate?” One reason is because over time, many of us stop pursuing intimacy. If a third of marriages end in divorce, what’s the percentage of marriages that end in soul satisfying intimacy?

God’s Principle

Many of us “get along” in marriage, but rarely go deep to real oneness. Ask yourself:

• Are the best memories faded and tinted yellow?
• Has television replaced conversation?
• Do all major conversations center on kids?
• Is conflict handled either by immediate retaliation or stuffing emotions?

 

      Jesus recognized his need to “get away” in order to pursue intimacy with His Father: “After bidding them farewell, He left for the mountain to pray” (Mark 6:46). Often He would steal away from the crowds to be alone with His God. In the same way, soul-satisfying intimacy in marriage requires “mountain-time” with our spouses.

Our Response

A Challenge to Get Away: When was the last time you and your spouse planned a time to really discuss your marriage?

Most of us “work” on our marriage with leftover minutes. We are swept away by the busy life currents: job, house, school, soccer games, and church meetings. Many marriage counselors recommend a quarterly retreat without the kids: a day trip, a weekend outing, or a long night out. But unlike the usual movie and dinner, this time is reserved for digging: asking the tough questions, assessing our roles as husband and wife, father and mother, lovers, etc.

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