“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. What are the requirements for a godly successful marriage?

5. DO VICTORIOUS SPIRITUAL WARFARE
Marriage is God’s gift and the devil hates it. You should know that! You need to know how to do victorious spiritual warfare in the name of Jesus!

In chapter 5 we find the Beloved and her Lover already married. And they have their first quarrel. It is not something serious but it could have become worst. They wisely defeat the enemy and quickly repair the damage to the relationship.

“I sleep, but my heart is awake;
It is the voice of my beloved!
He knocks, saying,
“Open for me, my sister, my love,
My dove, my perfect one…”
“I have washed my feet…
Must I soil them again?”…
I arose to open for my beloved…
But my beloved had turned away and was gone.
My heart sank at his departure…” (SS 5:2-6)

This is the story: the Lover comes late at night and wants to enter her room. She is not too happy with his request. She complains that she has taken her bath and does not want to get dirty again. He feels offended and goes away. Almost immediately she feels guilty about her attitude and she goes to open the door. But he is gone. Heart broken she leaves the house in the night to look for him. The watchmen on the street abuse her thinking she is a prostitute. But she is truly heartbroken and ‘love sick’. She is begging them to find her Lover. When the daughters of Jerusalem ask her why does she take such a risk to look for a man in the night, she tells them how wonderful he is and how much she loves him. She looks for him until she finds him. They finally reconcile and are happy again. They are wiser now! The enemy of their marriage has been defeated! They have passed the test of love! Hallelujah!

My husband and I have applied these lessons over the years. What are these?
*Arguments and crises shall come. Learn to show self control! The devil wants you to add fuel to the flesh so that the quarrel will increase. Learn to lovingly withdraw when the tempers flare up. Later, when both of you are calmer, speak love and wisdom to each other. Pray for one another! Learn from mistakes!
*Learn how to satisfy one another sexually. This skill does not come automatically.
*Humble yourself! Be quick to repent! Submit to one another! The devil wants you to be proud and stubborn with your spouse. Reject that!
*Even during times of crises learn to speak only good words to your spouse. Do not insult your lover. The devil wants to use your words to destroy your marriage. He has nothing to lose but you have too much to lose! Do not be foolish. Words hurt more than daggers. Remember the power of the tongue to build or to destroy! Be a builder!
*When you sense trouble coming pray in the Spirit! The devil is a liar! Jesus is Lord!
*Pay the price for reconciliation! Appreciate peace in the home! Be pro active in seeking peace!
*Ask help from others who are more spiritual and wiser than you.
*Enjoy your marriage every day! Be grateful to God! He is on your side! Weeping may endure for the night but joy comes in the morning! Remember that morning will surely come!

My children, I pray that God will grant you spiritual wisdom and the gift of a strong, happy and successful marriage! To God be all the glory! In Jesus name, amen!