17 Apr
Musings of a Newlywed
Ten months ago, after a whirlwind eight month courtship, Andrew and I embarked on the journey of marriage. We marvel now at how much we thought we knew but how little we really did. We’ve been delightfully surprised and duly humbled in our first months of married life. During our engagement, we regularly invited the advice of family, friends, books, and marriage counselors. We were warned that sex, finances, and family relationships could be “hot topics” for newlyweds and advised to handle these issues with care.
In Genesis 3:16b, I find my Creator has a word of caution for new brides as well. After sin enters the world, God tells Eve, “Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” In other words, Eve and her daughters will desire to be in control of their homes and husbands, even though God has not given them this authority.
I read this verse, and my sin is quite evident. I am well acquainted with control but hopefully beginning to catch glimpses of submission.
I control when I withdraw from my husband when I don’t get my way. I honor my husband when our home is a place of freedom, not fear. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear…” (I John 4:18a)
I control when I’m preoccupied with getting my point across and fail to respectfully listen to my husband’s view. I submit when I ask clarifying questions before I respond. “…everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak…” (James 1:19)
I control when I value any issue or decision above unity in our home. I honor God when I esteem oneness over personal preferences. “Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” (Colossians 3:14)
Our loved ones gave us solid premarital counsel, but I must say God nailed it when He described a woman’s struggle in marriage.
I’m learning there is beauty and joy in submitting to my God and my husband. By God’s grace, I want to build my home, respect my husband, and honor my God.
“The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.” Proverbs 14:1
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Filed in: Choices, Family, Responding to God
About the Author
Ashley Davis is in a year of new beginnings. She married in June and is the proud bride of Andrew Davis. A graduate of Union University, she called Jackson home for eight years before marrying and moving to Nashville this past year. She’s grateful for the written word and feels it is a powerful tool to help her reflect on God’s truth and process the twists and turns of life.
