Date night. It took being in therapy to learn the need (not want) of a night out with your spouse… weekly! That was a tall order given that before then, our date nights were quarterly, at best. Since then, we have gone from resistance in the logistics of making this happen, to my husband’s reminder come Sunday, that we have date night! So as I write on this Sunday, I reminisce of our earlier dates in the first chapter of “Following His Joy, Set Me Free from Anxiety”. When I sat down to write a book and how to start a memoir, I found myself in the most romantic of times. That of being pursued by my now husband. Of course, that was the groundwork but far from my now cornerstone. Jesus took this handsome thirty-four-year old (with amazing calves) of a man, to capture my attention for himself. Though it would take years in the making to open my mind and heart to Him.
Israelite men stayed home for a year in the old testament when first married. No demands other than to make his wife happy! Nowadays, more marriages start without even a honeymoon due to the demands of work. The Hebrew word for husband, Ish, was a recent discovery in a great study by Athey Creek Women’s Ministry on the Names of God. What was not as new, was the concept of God being more than a lofty spirit, but a husband? You mean, God, also serves as my Ish-husband and ultimate lover of my soul? To know that He dwells in you and with you, even on your bed in the most intimate of places, as your Ish? I think this sort of courtship merits your attention. If you agree, be brave and courageous to answer the following for yourself, and be still in your most vulnerable of spaces:
- How have you been pursued? Think of any and all relationships that might be or are being used by a loving and persistent God!
- Read Deuteronomy 24:5. How does this importance on mutual (and even more so your) satisfaction, reframe your view on intimacy in marriage?
- Would you consider yourself spiritual, instead of religious? Are there past exposures that you can unpack here?
- Read Hosea 2:16 (also below). What do you think is the difference? And, how does that make a difference for you?
- Pray. If Jesus isn’t your heart’s desire yet, ask Him. “Jesus, for the eyes that follow these words, warm their hearts so that they can know just how deep and wide and immovable is your steadfast love for them. Amen.”
Oftentimes, our past experiences and exposures can limit our healing. We learn to mistrust or just redirect our attention to what may better serve our needs. I pray you’ll take time to let God look in. Even step in, as he knocks at the door, but will not enter without your permission. May this moment be yours and His to say yes to one another and enter into your forever real love story.
“In that day” declares the LORD, “you will call me ‘my husband’ you will no longer call me ‘my master.’ Hosea 2:16 (NIV)
