“I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine, He who pastures his flock among the lilies” (Song 6:3)

The Song of Solomon is one of my favorites books in the Bible. To me, it is always strong and fresh, exciting, inviting, fragrant and romantic. It speaks of the eternal love between Christ and His Church. It also testifies of the true love in a godly successful marriage. This Song helps me to be a better Christian and a better wife. By reading its beautiful poetic lines I am challenged to walk closer to God and to make my marriage better. Please read on…

My husband and I are married for more than 42 years. We got married as unbelievers. Then one by one we got saved. Now we are in full time ministry helping others to live godly lives. We are sinners saved by grace. We made many mistakes along the way. But the grace of God who brought us together when we were young shall keep us together to the end. This morning, being inspired by the Word of God and also from our experience as a married couple, I want to help and challenge the younger believers to make their Christian life and their marriage a great success.

What are the requirements for a godly successful marriage?

2. Contentment
Contentment is having peace of mind and rest in your soul. It is defined as a state of peace, joy and satisfaction. It means to be free from worry, restlessness and impossible ambitions. It means to be satisfied and grateful with God’s provision for your life. A born again believer should be satisfied when his life’s basic needs are met, he has a good and happy family and attends a good church.

Many wrongly believe that money is the real source of happiness. America in particular, gives the impression that materialism produces satisfaction in life. The truth is that material wealth helps to have an easier life generally, better health and a good education. But the happiness that comes with wealth is limited. It stops at a certain point and cannot increase from that level on. Rich wise people have discovered that happiness comes with being generous with your wealth. It is this flow of ‘give and take’ that makes a man happy. Greedy people who hoard their money for future happiness can never be satisfied. This is a very good advice: Simplify your life! Money should be your servant and not your boss! Do not buy things just because you have the money! Pray about all your purchases! Do not compete with others in dressing and fashion! Be simple! “Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content” (1 Tim 6:6-8)

In marriage you also need to practice the attitude of contentment. You have to decide that your spouse is God’s gift to you. Until death do you part, there is no other! Marriage is not a market place! You should be satisfied with your husband or your wife. You will always see others who are younger, stronger, more beautiful or wealthier than your spouse. But you chose to be are satisfied with your own. Learn to appreciate your own! Kill any desire to love a stranger! You should not compare your spouse with others. Before you marry, you ‘seek’ your life partner! From the day of the wedding you stop ‘seeking’! Put a stop to it!

Contentment also applies to the level of wealth or social standing your spouse is able to provide. Do not desire more than that! As you can see, contentment is not an achievement to boast if, but a spiritual attitude that needs to be cultivated thru prayer and the Word of God. “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content… In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need” (Philipp 4:11-12)

“I am a wall, and my breasts are like towers. Thus I have become in his eyes like one bringing contentment” (SS 8:10). In Song of Solomon the bride is seen as a wall and her breasts are like towers. This is symbolic prophetic language. It reveals the type of woman she is. A wall represents strength, help, faithfulness, protection and stability. The picture of her well developed breasts means spiritual maturity and readiness to be fruitful. This is how the believer in Christ should be. The bride is not weak, ignorant, foolish or a push around. She knows her identity in Christ and pays the price to be like Him. She is content with her Lover and makes Him happy! This should be our desire too! Pray about this…