What’s The Deal…My Marriage Isn’t Relational Bliss?

Last updated on: February 10, 2013 at 6:19 pm by Zeke Pipher

What’s The Deal…My Marriage Isn’t Relational Bliss? 2013-02-10T18:19:20-07:00 Zeke Pipher

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Sometimes things that are meant to do one thing do the opposite. Take the device that caused the power outage at the Super Bowl—it was a relay switch designed to prevent power outages. Another seemingly backwards design flaw happens in marriage. I’ve performed several weddings, and every couple that stands at the altar expects their marriage will provide relational satisfaction, peace, and joy. “It’s why we get married, right?” You can see it in their glossy, optimistic eyes; they’re certain they’re heading into relational Utopia.

And then, like a mirage that remains in the distance, Utopia never quite shows up. Instead, marriage is surprising loaded with stress, conflict, and seasons of pain and disappointment. Sure, there are good times; in healthy marriages, there are quite a few. But there are so many difficult times, as well.

Did marriage fail, promising one thing while providing another? Or, did we misunderstand the promise. With the relay switch that prevents blackouts, the problem was in the promise. But with marriage, the problem is in the expectations. Marriage never promises smooth sailing into bliss. It promises intimacy. It promises challenge, stress, and growth. And it promises to be a laboratory for the work God wants to do in our hearts. If couples start out understanding these promises accurately, they won’t be surprised by marriage’s blackouts difficulties.

__________________

premarital counseling

Previous Post

January 31, 2013

Men, Friendship, and Swimming Upstream

Next Post

February 12, 2013 When Placing Second Is Winning

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Uncategorized

Select a Month July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What bird did Noah release second from the ark?

Select your answer to see how you score.

A dove A raven A sparrow An eagle