Whether your marriage is strong or struggling, you need to know that there is an all-out spiritual war being waged against the two of you. At the heart of every effort to drive a wedge between you and your spouse is a sinister, cunning enemy. He is literally hell-bent on bringing division and death to your marriage.
This may sound like an extreme exaggeration to make a point. It is not.
In his letter to the church in Ephesus, the Apostle Paul specifically called out the enemy who was at work behind the attacks he faced. Paul wrote, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).
As a couple, you must be firmly committed to protecting your marriage spiritually. To do spiritual battle you have to use spiritual weapons. The Apostle Paul wrote, “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4).
Here are four weapons for spiritual protection that you and your spouse can implement today!
1. Prayer
Spiritual protection begins by praying for your marriage. Here are some things you might pray:
- Tell God you want Jesus to be honored in your marriage.
- Ask for God’s blessings on your marriage.
- Specifically ask for His Holy Spirit to guide you and empower you.
- Pray that God’s kingdom will come and His will will be done in your marriage.
- Ask God for an angelic hedge of protection around you and your family.
2. Scripture
When Jesus was tempted by Satan during his 40 days in the wilderness he responded each time with Scripture. There is power in the Word of God! Boldly claim verses on behalf of your marriage when you sense a spiritual attack. Here is a sample of the kinds of verses you might use:
Isa 54:17a No weapon forged against [us] will prevail….
Romans 8:31 If God is for us, who can be against us?
Philippians 4:13 [We] can do all things through Christ who strengthens [us].
James 4:7b Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
3. Unity
In times of trial or conflict it is important to remind each another of your commitment to your marriage. These are the windows of opportunity when the enemy likes to strike and create suspicion and division.
Remember, unity does not mean unanimity. Unity means you’re of the same heart and purpose in your commitment to Jesus and to one another. Make it a regular practice in your marriage to tell each other that you are committed for life.
4. Community
One of the tactics of the enemy is the make you think that you should do life in isolation from other Christians and from other couples. The enemy like to separate the “sheep” from the flock so he can go in for the kill.
God has created us to be relationally connected with others in community. When you are with other like-minded couples who share the same commitment to Jesus and their marriages you gain wisdom, insight, and encouragement to stand strong during difficult times. You also gain prayer support that encircles you with spiritual protection.
Even if your church doesn’t provide small groups, you can initiate getting together with two to three other couples in each others’ homes for food, Bible study and prayer. You don’t have to be the expert, just the initiator!
Begin with these four weapons. As you use them you will protect your marriage spiritually be moving forward confidently as you build your marriage!