My Answer: Faith is answer to marital woes
Q: My husband says he loves me, but all he’s really interested in is his job. He always brings work home and often spends weekends working, and no matter how much I get after him, things never change. Is it time for me to move on? — Mrs. K.G.
A: I sincerely hope that in spite of the problems you face you won’t give in to the temptation to end your marriage. Instead, I hope you’ll do everything you possibly can to rekindle the love you once had, and even strengthen it — with God’s help.
And I believe this is possible, although to be honest, it may not be easy. Because your husband is so absorbed in his work, much of the burden to change your relationship may be on your shoulders, at least at first. But don’t be discouraged; it will be worth it. Nor do you need to feel you are alone, because God loves you and wants to help you. And He will, as you turn to Christ and seek His wisdom and help.
First, make it your goal to be the best wife you can possibly be. Let your husband know you love him, and back up your words with your actions. An unhappy, tension-filled home will drive almost any spouse away. Instead, make a determined effort to avoid complaining or faultfinding, and express appreciation whenever you can. The Bible says, “Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife” (Proverbs 21:19).
Most of all, put Christ first in your life — and your marriage. God loves you, and once you discover this great truth your life will never be the same — and neither will your marriage. Jesus said, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:12).
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Q: I think I can feel God’s presence just as much taking a hike in the woods or playing golf as I can going to church — or more so. Why should I bother with church? I’ve never found church very interesting anyway, to be honest. — P.D.
A: No matter where we are, we certainly can sense God’s presence and be impressed by the beauty of His creation, if our hearts are right. The Psalmist declared, “The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it” (Psalm 89:11).
But if nature is our only teacher (so to speak), we’ll never learn everything we need to know, and everything God wants to teach us. For example, we’ll never learn why God put us here, or how He wants us to live. Nor will we learn what God has planned for us after we die. Most of all, we’ll never learn how our sins can be forgiven, and how our lives can be set free from sin’s power. Can you think of anything more important than discovering the answers to these questions?
Only God can answer these, and He has done this by revealing them to us in His Word, the Bible. And that’s one reason why it’s important to be part of a church where God’s Word is taught and lived. There you’ll hear God’s Word and discover its meaning for your daily life. The Psalmist said, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).
I suspect your real problem, however, is that you have never honestly faced your own need for Christ. God loves you; He loves you so much that Jesus Christ gave His life for you. Invite Him into your life today.
(Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: https://www.billygraham.org.)