I love watching water in nature. Whether it be the ocean in its vastness, the waterfall in its power, the lake as it shimmers in the sunshine, or the rain pelting on a tin roof. But there is something about a mountain stream that calms my soul like nothing else. It is as if it giggles as it moves.

The Lord often speaks to me in word pictures to bring home a truth that I’ll remember. This morning He had me consider a leaf floating down a mountain stream. It makes its way without having to do anything but yield to the current. It has movement and purpose, yet it glides over rocks and tree roots without effort, or so it seems.

As I was considering this the Lord impressed on me that this is like marriage. There are days when it is effortless. No conflicts. No problems to overcome. The days are enjoyed floating together taking in the beautiful surroundings. And then out of nowhere a conflict arises like a large boulder creating a dam of sorts in the stream. It requires time to wait for help in order to proceed.

Tom and I have been in this place many times. This is why we feel strongly about being involved in community with other believers. Those who know us well and are willing to speak the truth to us in our time of need. I don’t know where we would be today if it weren’t for the faithful input and correction of friends whom we love and respect. Our marriage success is owed in large part to their faithfulness to befriend us.

What boulders are you facing in your marriage today? Do you have friends who are aware of your predicament, or are you trying to go it alone? We encourage you to seek help for it is from a place of humility that the Lord can grow your marriage best. This is not weakness, it is strength that God provides which rises from the lowest places.

“6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, ⁷ casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:6-7