Building Stronger Marriages Through Faith and Connection

Have you ever wondered why some marriages seem to thrive while others struggle? As a Christian couples coach and counselor, I've had the privilege of walking alongside many couples on their journey toward deeper connection. Today, I want to share some insights from Dr. Sue Johnson's transformative book "Created for Connection" and show how it aligns beautifully with God's design for marriage.

God's Blueprint for Marriage

When God created marriage, He didn't just give us a relationship - He gave us a sacred bond that reflects His love for us. As Scripture tells us, "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh" (Ephesians 5:31, NASB). This unity is both beautiful and challenging, requiring intentional nurturing and understanding.

Seven Conversations That Can Transform Your Marriage

Dr. Johnson's book introduces seven pivotal conversations that can strengthen your marriage's foundation. Let's explore how these conversations align with biblical principles and can help you build a stronger, more God-honoring marriage.

Recognizing Your Dance

Just like David danced before the Lord with all his might, your marriage has its own unique dance. Sometimes we get caught in negative patterns, but there's hope! Understanding these patterns is the first step toward positive change. When you recognize how you and your spouse interact, you can begin to create new, healthier patterns together.

Finding the Raw Spots

We all have sensitive areas in our hearts - places where past hurts make us vulnerable. Remember that God knows our hearts intimately, and He can help us share these tender spots with our spouse. As Psalm 34:18 reminds us, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted."

Revisiting Rocky Moments

Every marriage faces challenges, but it's how we handle them that matters. When we revisit difficult moments with understanding and compassion, we can turn them into opportunities for growth. Just as God uses trials to refine us, these conversations can strengthen your bond.

Hold Me Tight

Physical and emotional connection are gifts from God in marriage. This conversation helps couples create and maintain secure bonds, much like our relationship with God provides security and comfort. When we feel safely connected, we can face life's challenges together.

Forgiving Injuries

Forgiveness is at the heart of our faith, and it's essential in marriage too. As Colossians 3:13 teaches us, "bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you." This conversation helps couples heal from hurts and restore trust.

Bonding Through Sex and Touch

God designed physical intimacy as a beautiful way for married couples to connect. This conversation helps couples discuss physical connection openly and honestly, creating deeper intimacy in all aspects of their relationship.

Keeping Your Love Alive

Love is a choice we make daily. This conversation focuses on maintaining and growing your connection through life's changes. As 1 Corinthians 13:7 tells us, love "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

Why This Book Matters

"Created for Connection" offers practical tools that align perfectly with biblical principles. Dr. Johnson's approach helps couples:

- Understand their emotional needs

- Communicate more effectively

- Build stronger trust

- Deepen their intimacy

- Work through conflicts constructively

Hope for Your Marriage

Whether you're newly married or have been together for decades, there's always room for growth in your relationship. God designed marriage as a reflection of His love for us, and He provides the grace we need to build strong, lasting bonds.

Remember, you're not alone on this journey. Just as God walks beside you, there are resources and support available to help you create the marriage you desire. "Created for Connection" offers practical steps that can help you move toward a more secure, loving relationship.

Taking the Next Step

If you're feeling inspired to strengthen your marriage, here are some simple ways to begin:

- Pray together daily for your marriage

- Set aside time to have meaningful conversations

- Read "Created for Connection" together

- Practice active listening with your spouse

- Seek support from a trusted Christian couples coach or counselor when needed

A Prayer for Your Marriage

Lord, we thank You for the gift of marriage. Help us to honor You in how we love and serve our spouse. Give us wisdom to communicate well, courage to be vulnerable, and strength to maintain our commitment. Guide us as we build stronger connections that reflect Your love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Remember, every step you take toward building a stronger connection with your spouse is worth celebrating. As you implement these conversations in your marriage, trust that God is working in and through your relationship. Your marriage can become stronger, deeper, and more fulfilling - just as God designed it to be.

You can order Created for Connection by Sue Johnson by clicking here.