As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you. Isa. 62:5
Lord Jesus, on May 5th, 1862, a very unlikely thing happened—the Mexican army defeated the French forces at the Battle of Puebla. And on May 5th, 1972, another unlikely thing happened, Darlene and I got married. It was the beginning of another glorious battle—your unrelenting commitment to rescue us and pour the gospel into our hearts and marriage.
On our first marital Cinco de Mayo, we understood very little about the riches of your grace, the daily-ness of your mercies, and the lavishness of your love. We were equally clueless about the depth of our sin, the degree of our brokenness, and your design for a gospel-centered marriage. Thank you for not leaving us there.
You’ve been tenaciously faithful to us throughout these 46 years—even when we were under-believing the gospel, and over-expecting from each other. After all, marriage is all about you, anyway—a showing and telling of the way you love us, like no other spouse ever could or would.
Thank you for rescuing us from the notion that if we married the “right person” it’d be enough. Only your love is enough to fill the void, meet the ache, heal the wounds, and prepare us for eternity. Keep reminding us we’re much more married to you than to each other.
Thank you for quicker repentances in our marriage and less pettiness. Thank you for more encouragement and less trying to change the other. Thank you for showing us how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, and not just provoke one another to irritation.
Thank you that we can weep together and rejoice together, be weak together and hope for one another. Thank you that we’ve never been more excited to be partners in grace, and servants in your kingdom.
One day, Lord Jesus, one of us will commit the other to the earth, and into your presence. Until that day, continue to pour more and more of your love into our hearts and marriage. Keep freeing us, healing us, growing us, and using us. So very Amen we pray, in your peerless and exalted name.