One of the Apostles who wrote extensively on marriage is Apostle Paul.
Interestingly, we are not sure whether Apostle Paul got married or not.
One thing we know for sure is that he was not married at the time of this writing. He was single!
1Co 7:27 (MSG) Are you married? Stay married. Are you unmarried? Don’t get married.
Why would Apostle Paul say this?
Let us dive into this.
1. Additional Stress
1Co 7:28 (MSG) But there’s certainly no sin in getting married, whether you’re a virgin or not. All I am saying is that when you marry, you take on additional stress in an already stressful time, and I want to spare you if possible.
He believed that getting married would bring some additional stress, which he believes is avoidable by remaining single! Just that you and I won’t listen!
2. It’s Complicated!
Apostle Paul believes that getting married will usher in some complications, which might make it more difficult to serve God.
1Co 7:32 (MSG) I want you to live as free of complications as possible. When you’re unmarried, you’re free to concentrate on simply pleasing the Master.
3. Demands on Attention
He believes your attention is totally divided because you must always please your spouse!
1Co 7:33-34 (MSG) Marriage involves you in all the nuts and bolts of domestic life and in wanting to please your spouse, [34] leading to so many more demands on your attention. The time and energy that married people spend on caring for and nurturing each other, the unmarried can spend in becoming whole and holy instruments of God.
4. Marriage is not wrong!
He is not saying marriage is wrong. He is only encouraging singleness.
1Co 7:38 (MSG) Marriage is spiritually and morally right and not inferior to singleness in any way, although as I indicated earlier, because of the times we live in, I do have pastoral reasons for encouraging singleness.
5. One will chase a thousand, two ten thousand.
If you find a couple who are sincere, sacrificial, selfless, and love God, they will do more as couples than remain single!
Marriage is a blessing, but only for those who are ready to work it out!
Life is never in a straight or parallel line. There are times when we all don’t find it entertaining.
Times of distress will usually come.
What is our recommended way of responding to distress when overwhelmed with life?
Let us check the scriptures. There is an answer for every imbroglio we might encounter.
Psa 107:13 (KJV) Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.
Times of trouble are not the times to panic or be filled with anxiety. It is not time to worry or be filled with trepidation. It is not time to complain or murmur. It is not time to withdraw from God or become numb to the love of God. It is not time to be filled with apathy and begin to reject God!
It is time to cry unto the Lord!
They cried unto the Lord… Not cry unto themselves… Not cry unto their family… But into the Lord. And that is very instructive.
Crying unto the Lord shows that you put your trust in Him and have faith that He can save, deliver, and settle you!
Crying unto the Lord shows that you don’t have any alternative besides God, which is what you call faith!
After calling unto the Lord, what did the scripture say?
…and he saved them out of their distresses.
Well, God will save you from every distress in Jesus’ name!
When there is a lot of stress, we become distressed!
But hear me this morning: God will save you from every distress!
Take a look at the message translation:
Psa 107:13 (MSG) Then you called out to GOD in your desperate condition; he got you out in the nick of time.
Is your condition desperate? God will get you out in time—he won’t be late! Believe, trust, and see God’s salvation today!
As the year approaches its end very quickly, you can not help but give all the glory to God. Has the Lord been good? I am sure your answer is a resounding, yes!
Psalms 20:7 (KJV): Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Can you recall how, throughout the year, the name of the Lord has been your trust? Can you look back and even have a faint idea of how many times you have called on the name of the Lord this year? Others may trust in their “chariots” and “horses” to move them forward and advance them, but we have trusted in the name of God all through the year! I am sure you can not count how many times you have called on Him.
The scripture above reminds us that there is great power in remembering: We will remember the name of the LORD our God!
The Amplified Version puts it this way:
Psalms 20:7 (AMPC): Some trust in and boast of chariots and some of horses, but we will trust in and boast of the name of the LORD our God.
Our boast is in the name of the Lord! We have not trusted in our strength or our intellect. It is in the name of the Lord!
And hear me: we approach the coming year on the strength of this revelation. The Lord is our trust; we can boast in that, declaring that next year will be glorious!
How can you be so sure? Someone might ask. How can you even say that? With all the economic downturns, uncertainties in the air, and currency devaluations as rapid as water rushing down a mountain, should you not fear what lies ahead? Nay, we are not among those who fear! Our boast is in the name of the Lord.
With this confidence and divine assurance, we march gallantly into the coming year, knowing that our joy and victory are assured!
Hey there, friend! Let’s talk about something we all wish we had more of—time. Whether you’re grinding at work, catching up with friends, or trying to figure out how to make more time for God, life can feel like a whirlwind. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to juggle it all alone. Let’s dive into some practical ways to master time management and find balance in our busy lives.
Why Time Management Matters
Time management isn’t just about ticking off your to-do list. It’s about creating space for what truly matters: your faith, relationships, and personal growth. In Ephesians 5:16, we’re reminded to “make the most of every opportunity” because our time is precious.
Life feels chaotic when we’re constantly rushing, doesn’t it? But when we learn to manage our time well, we can focus on the things God has called us to—without feeling like we’re drowning in responsibilities.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Managing Time Together
If you’re in a relationship or sharing life with roommates or family, managing time as a team can be a game-changer. Here’s how:
Weekly Check-Ins: Take 15-20 minutes each week to chat about priorities and schedules. What’s coming up? What’s important to each person?
Example: You might find out your partner has a big work deadline the same week you’ve got a church volunteer event. Knowing this helps you support each other.
Shared Digital Calendars: Tools like Google Calendar can be your best friend. Color-code it for work, church, family, and personal time to stay in sync. Bonus: fewer “I forgot” moments!
Plan Together: Whether it’s grocery runs or attending Bible study, tackling tasks as a team can save time and make mundane chores more fun.
Creating Space for Quality Time
Here’s a little truth bomb: If you don’t schedule quality time, it probably won’t happen. Life is busy, but the relationships you value deserve intentionality.
Date Nights and Family Time: Whether it’s a fancy dinner, a Netflix night, or a board game marathon, block it off in your calendar like a non-negotiable meeting.
Sabbath Moments: Even God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2). Take time to recharge and be present with loved ones. A Sunday afternoon walk or post-church brunch can do wonders for your soul.
Mini-Customs: These don’t have to be grand. How about praying together before bed or having a 10-minute coffee check-in each morning? It’s the little things that build connection.
Let’s Talk Priorities
We’ve all been there—scrolling TikTok for “5 minutes” that somehow turns into an hour. The struggle is real. But the key to time management is figuring out what matters most and sticking to it.
Start Your Day With God: Begin your morning with prayer or a devotional. It doesn’t have to be long—just a few minutes to center your heart and mind. Matthew 6:33 says to “seek first His kingdom,” and everything else will fall into place.
Say ‘No’ Sometimes: This one’s hard, but you can’t do everything. When you say no to things that drain you, you’re saying yes to what fills you up.
Batch Tasks: Group similar tasks together. Need to reply to emails, meal prep, or run errands? Knock them out in one focused chunk to save mental energy.
When You Feel Overwhelmed
Life gets overwhelming—we all know that feeling of being stretched too thin. But here’s a reminder: You’re not alone. Lean on God’s strength and His promises. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us not to be anxious but to pray about everything. And don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s from a friend or your church community.
Final Thoughts: Balance is a Journey
Finding balance isn’t about getting it perfect. It’s about progress. Some weeks you’ll nail it; others will be a mess—and that’s okay. What matters is showing up and giving your best to the things that matter most.
So, let’s stop glorifying “busy” and start prioritizing what brings joy, peace, and purpose to our lives. Whether it’s blocking off time for Bible study, planning a surprise date, or just taking a moment to breathe, you’ve got this. And if you don’t, God’s got you.
So, life’s thrown your spouse a curveball, huh? Whether it’s work stress, family drama, or just one of those “why is everything falling apart” seasons, being the supportive spouse they need can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—you don’t need to have it all figured out. Let’s break it down like we’re chatting over coffee.
Step 1: Understand What They Actually Need
Here’s the deal: people respond to tough times differently. Some cry it out, others go full “I’m fine” mode (spoiler: they’re not). Your job isn’t to fix everything but to understand how your spouse processes stress.
The Bible nails it in James 1:19: “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” This verse is gold because listening—like, really listening—shows your spouse you’re in their corner.
Ask open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling about all this?” or “What can I do to help right now?” And then just…wait. Let them talk without jumping in with solutions or stories about your own bad day.
Step 2: Be Their MVP (Most Valuable Partner)
Supporting your spouse isn’t just about pep talks (though those are great). Sometimes, it’s about rolling up your sleeves and getting stuff done.
Take over some chores: Laundry piling up? Dishes taking over the sink? Handle it. Even small things like this scream, “I’ve got your back.”
Bring the comfort food: You’d be amazed what their favorite meal or a surprise coffee can do for morale. Think Proverbs 17:22: “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” Sometimes, tacos are the medicine.
Organize the chaos: Whether it’s scheduling doctor’s appointments or sending reminders about deadlines, helping them stay on top of things can feel like a lifesaver.
These acts of service don’t just lighten their load; they remind your spouse they’re not in this alone.
Step 3: Talk It Out (Without Fighting)
Look, communication isn’t always easy, especially when emotions are running high. But it’s essential. Philippians 2:4 says, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Translation? Teamwork makes the dream work.
When you sit down to talk:
Keep it chill: No one wants to feel attacked. Start with “I” statements, like “I’ve noticed you’ve been stressed. How can I help?”
Focus on solutions, not blame: If something’s not working, brainstorm together.
Know when to back off: If your spouse just needs to vent, let them. You don’t have to solve it all right away.
And hey, it’s okay to pray together. Nothing bonds you like taking your worries to God and trusting Him to carry what you can’t.
Step 4: Take Care of You Too
Here’s where it gets real. Supporting someone through tough times can drain you if you’re not careful. That’s why self-care isn’t selfish—it’s smart.
Check-in with yourself: Are you feeling stressed, tired, or resentful? Address that before it spills over.
Lean on your people: Whether it’s a trusted friend, your pastor, or a therapist, having someone to talk to makes all the difference.
Stay grounded in faith: Verses like Matthew 11:28-30 (“Come to me, all who are weary”) remind us that we’re not meant to carry every burden alone.
Final Thoughts: It’s About Showing Up
At the end of the day, your spouse doesn’t need you to have all the answers. They need you to show up—with love, patience, and maybe a little humor when things get heavy. Relationships are about being a team, even when life feels like overtime with no breaks.
So, take it one day at a time. And remember: God’s got both of you. You’re just the hands and feet helping Him show His love.
Got tips of your own for supporting your spouse? Drop them in the comments—because we’re all in this together!
