Stress can simply be defined as a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.

This definition helps us to understand that stress is a tension or strain and it could be mental or emotional. It could also be physical or spiritual.

Jesus talked about those who are weary and heavy laden

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NLT

Usually, since we are spirit beings, any strain on our spiritual life will have a way of impacting our whole being. Whatever affects our relationship with God affect the whole of our being.

Chief among the things that causes stress or strain on our relationship with God is sin.

So it’s possible, to have an unconfessed sin in your life and be doing through stress as a result.

Or maybe we fail to put our trust in God, or maybe we are walking in the flesh or not following the leading or guidance of the Holy spirit. All this causes us stress which will eventually cause a strain in our marriage.

A good example of this is when Abram and Sarah decided to get pregnant by Hagar and gave birth to Ishamel. There was so much strain and tension in the marriage.

Anger, strife, malice, not walking in love and all other works of the flesh also causes stress in marriage

There are some other stressors in marriage that are not as a result of sin but are the once we put on ourselves.

I will mention a few of them.

1. Financial pressure
2. Dealing with in-laws
3. Comparison
4. Doing beyond ourselves
5. Not minding our business
6. Not being able to say No
7. Being Unforgiving to our spouse
8. Not being open and transparent.
9. Unrealistic expectations
10. Ungratefulness

Now let’s handle these stressors one by name. To open our eyes to how these simple issues can bring about and cause  a lot of stress to our marriage thereby causing a strain in our relationship with our loved one.

1. Financial pressures and not being able to manage our finances.

We know that money answereth all things

A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things. Ecclesiastes 10:19 KJV.

Our ability to cut our coat according to our cloth will go a long way to determine whether we will be putting a lot of stress on our marriage or not.

Delaying gratification, being able to save a little portion for the rainy day no matter his small, being prudent, living on a budget and not being sentimental are all very good virtues.

2. Dealing with in-laws.

This requires a lot of wisdom, tact, patience and working together with your spouse to make sure you are always together on the same page. The most important person in this equation is your spouse. The covenant of marriage places your spouse above your parents.

You honor your parents, bible is very clear about that but you also don’t dishonor your spouse for the sake of your parents or in-laws. There is no one answer fits all but whichever way, follow the bible and follow the Holy spirit guidelines.

There may be times you have to sacrifice beyond what you normally would have, if you are sure God is leading you, obey. God usually rewards such acts tremendously.

Let me stop here today. I will continue tomorrow by God grace.

May God grant us more understanding beyond this teaching.

God bless our marriage.

CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I am a wise spouse. I know how to relate with people.

PRAYERS FOR THE DAY
Lord, give me wisdom

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
1 Peter  3:7  Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Forgive where necessary

BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
1 Pet 3

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