Meeting the man or woman of your dreams and having a beautiful marriage is a blessing. Proverbs 18:22 talks about the goodness and favor a man receives when God gives him a wife. This scripture proves that getting married should bring happiness and joy to your life, but staying content in marriage is the most important thing.
Many marriages began fabulously but today are in crisis. The relationship was damaged somewhere along the line, and the couple has been trying to patch things up, but to no avail. This is one of the reasons why many people say marriage is hard, and many have vowed not to get married because of this seemingly gloomy feat.
You might be married to the right person but not enjoy the marriage, and you might marry at the right time and still not be content with your spouse. A content marriage is one in which you are genuinely pleased with whom you are married and in which you are satisfied with the way you and your spouse live every day of your lives. You are happily married when you realize that, and despite your imperfections, you are still genuinely and eternally grateful to be in each other’s life.
Usually when we consider the topic of contentment, we think of money and materialism. However, the concept extends to many other areas of life, including marriage. While most Bible references on contentment deal with the topic of wealth and possessions the same principles certainly apply to our attitude about life circumstances in general (i.e. Mat. 6:24-33, Phil. 4:11-13, 1 Tim. 6:5-11, Heb. 13:5-6). Marriage is among the most important areas in which we must reflect this principle.
To be content simply means to be mentally and emotionally satisfied with the way things are. Someone who is content is willing to accept the current circumstances with peace of mind. People who are discontent in their marriage usually make themselves and their spouses miserable.
Such people are never satisfied with what they have and are always wanting, expecting or even demanding more. Instead of recognizing the positive aspects of their spouse and marriage they focus on the negatives. Instead of expressing appreciation and encouragement they express criticism and resentment.
One does not need a perfect marriage (which does not exist) in order to be content. But a positive attitude and outlook is required. Begin by counting your blessings and not taking them for granted. While some problems must be addressed in a marriage they are best approached from a position of general contentment rather than that of perpetual displeasure or misery. People respond best to positive reinforcement and encouragement – your spouse is no different.
In life and in marriage, contentment is a virtue that is far too rare! It is not because the marriage meets all societal standards but because the husband and wife have agreed to make it sustainable and thrive against all odds.
