by David Chadwick

"Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth." Proverbs 5:18

"An excellent wife is the crown of her husband." Proverbs 12:4

Philippians 4:4 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." The word "rejoice" means "to feel or show great joy or delight." There is a biblical command to both FEEL and SHOW joy in the Lord. The Gospel of Jesus prompts a response from us. There is a biblical command to not just declare our joy but to demonstrate the joy of our salvation!

Do you know where else God instructs us to rejoice? It is a command to husbands, and he says to rejoice in the wife of your youth. That is today's proverb.

A long-term marriage where two people have fought and contended for unity and closeness yields tremendous glory. Where they have shared life together over the years. Where they have together fought through and overcome multiple adversities. Where they have collective memories that are full of trials and triumphs. Where they still hold hands after decades of marriage. Where they have become one flesh!

I am so thankful for my wife, Marilynn. Her love and commitment have shown me so much about the love of Jesus. After all, that's the goal of marriage. It is a physical representation on this side of eternity of the love Jesus has for his bride, the church, and vice versa.

Proverbs 12:4 says that an excellent wife is the crown of her husband's life. I know this to be true as well! Marilynn is so excellent in how she loves and lives. I'm so honored to be married to her. She truly is a crown I wear in life. We know the joy of two becoming one.

My dear friends, if you are married, keep working on your marriage. It is hard work, and there will be trials, but remain committed. Make sure the back door of your marriage is locked from the outside. Share your lives with one another. Care for one another. Commit to walking through life's struggles together. Situation by situation, moment by moment, step by step, life will draw you closer and closer with Jesus at the center.

And your years together will be joyous!

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 5:18 & 12:4