Good morning, ladies! Here I am, once again sitting aboard Anchored In Hope, reflecting on the Great I AM—His boundless grace, His steadfast love, and His calling over our lives. Since we began this sailing journey, I’ve noticed that nearly every one of my reflections centers around anchors, storms, and rocks, and the powerful imagery that the sea brings to mind. I suppose I’m biased, but I can’t help it—life on the water has brought God’s Word to life for me in a way I’d never experienced before. Out here, so close to nature, I feel as though I’ve stepped out of the mundane and right into the throne room of my Creator. Each day at sea brings me one step closer to understanding His nature and His promises. Sailing has become a journey, not just across waters, but deep into the heart of faith.
This shift has also transformed my marriage. Whether it’s the years adding maturity or the grace I’ve found in living with the King of Kings, I’m growing in ways I never expected. Over these last five years, I’ve come to understand marriage on a deeper level—the selflessness, the resilience, and the incredible grace that God calls us to live out daily. I see now that marriage isn’t merely a legal contract or social agreement. It’s something sacred, a covenant designed by God to reflect the love and faithfulness Christ has for His Church.
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Through every high wave and calm sea, this truth has anchored us. And in life’s storms, we find our footing not in ourselves, but on the Rock of Ages.
Building a foundation set on Christ that can weather anything:
Christ as the Cornerstone
- The foundation of a strong marriage must be Christ Himself. Ephesians 2:19-22 “19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord 22 And in him, you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit” this verse describes Jesus as the cornerstone of the Church, indicating that all believers are built upon Him. Similarly, a marriage that centres on Christ can withstand the storms of life. When both partners recognize Jesus as their cornerstone, they build their relationship on a solid foundation of faith, love, and mutual respect.
- The Importance of Prayer
- Prayer is vital in a Christ-centered marriage. Philippians 4:6-7 “6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Reading this verse we are reminded to present our requests to God, allowing His peace to guard our hearts and minds. Regularly praying together fosters intimacy and unity, as both partners seek God’s guidance and strength. This spiritual connection can help couples navigate challenges, deepen their bond, and cultivate an atmosphere of love and forgiveness.
The Role of Love in Marriage
- Agape Love
- At the heart of a strong marriage is agape love—the unconditional love that God demonstrates toward us. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 “4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”, Here we see the attributes of love: patience, kindness, humility, and endurance. This selfless love must be the driving force in a marriage. When both partners commit to loving one another in this way, they create a safe and nurturing environment where each person can grow spiritually and emotionally.
- Sacrifice and Service
- A marriage built on the Rock of Ages requires both partners to put the other’s needs before their own. Ephesians 5:25-28 calls husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the Church, even to the point of sacrifice. Wives are also called to respect their husbands, fostering an environment of mutual support. This dynamic of sacrifice and service enhances the marriage relationship, drawing both partners closer to Christ and to each other.
Navigating Life’s Storms Together
- Facing Trials with Faith
- Life is full of trials, and a marriage built on Christ will encounter challenges. Matthew 7:24-27 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” illustrates the importance of building one’s house on the rock rather than the sand. When storms arise—be it financial strain, health issues, or family conflicts—a marriage rooted in faith will withstand these challenges. Couples must lean on each other and on God during these times, reminding themselves of His promises and sovereignty.
- Encouraging Growth and Resilience
- In every trial, there is an opportunity for growth. Romans 5:3-5 “3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” This tells us that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope. A couple’s ability to work through difficulties together strengthens their bond and deepens their reliance on God. Encouraging each other through trials—praying for one another, sharing burdens, and celebrating victories—helps to foster resilience in the relationship.
The Beauty of Forgiveness
- A Heart of Humility
- Forgiveness is essential in any relationship, especially in marriage. Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This reminds us to be kind and compassionate, forgiving one another just as Christ forgave us. When conflicts arise—and they will—a humble heart is necessary to seek and grant forgiveness. This process requires vulnerability and strength, but it ultimately leads to healing and deeper intimacy.
- Building a Culture of Grace
- Creating a culture of grace within the marriage allows both partners to feel safe in expressing their feelings and failures. When mistakes happen, the focus should be on reconciliation rather than blame. Colossians 3:13-14 “13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” emphasizes the importance of love in binding us together in unity. This love encourages both partners to navigate conflicts with grace and understanding, reinforcing their commitment to one another.
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3
Standing Firm in Christ:
A marriage built on the Rock of Ages is not without its challenges, but it is filled with the promise of hope, love, and resilience. By making Christ the foundation, embracing agape love, navigating trials together, and practising forgiveness, couples can cultivate a lasting relationship that glorifies God.
As you build your marriage on the solid rock of Jesus Christ, remember the words of Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Trusting in the Rock of Ages will not only sustain your marriage through life’s storms but also create a beautiful testimony of God’s faithfulness and love.
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the gift of marriage. Thank You for designing this beautiful covenant, reflecting the love between Christ and His Church. We acknowledge that in our own strength, we cannot sustain a healthy marriage; we need Your guidance and grace.
Lord, we ask that You be the cornerstone of our relationship. Help us to build our lives on the solid foundation of Your Word, so that when the storms of life arise, we may stand firm together. May Your peace guard our hearts and minds, drawing us closer to You and to each other.
Teach us to love with agape love—patient, kind, and forgiving. Help us to serve one another selflessly, putting each other’s needs above our own. May we grow in humility and understanding, embracing the beauty of forgiveness when we stumble.
In times of trial, remind us of Your promises. Strengthen our faith and resilience, allowing us to face challenges hand in hand, always trusting in Your perfect plan. May our marriage be a reflection of Your love, grace, and mercy to the world around us.
We commit our relationship into Your hands, Lord. May it flourish and thrive, bringing glory to Your name. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray.
Amen.
