May 8
Restoring Intimacy
in Marriage
“A husband should fulfill his duty as a husband.
And a wife should fulfill her duty as a wife.
Each of them should satisfy the other’s needs.
A wife’s body does not belong only to her.
It also belongs to her husband. In the same way, a husband’s body does not belong only to him.
It also belongs to his wife.
You should not stop being married to each other, unless you both agree to it.
Do this only for a short time so you can give your time to prayer.
Then come together again. Satan will not be able to tempt you when you are weak.”
1 Corinthians 7:3-5, NIrV
Seth adjusted his tie in the hallway mirror, glancing over his shoulder to see Rosemary quietly feeding their young daughter in the kitchen. Her smile toward their child was soft and loving, but when their eyes met, there was a flicker of discomfort. It had been months since they had shared any meaningful intimacy, and Seth could feel the growing void between them.
At first, he dismissed it, telling himself that life with a toddler was naturally exhausting. But as time went on, frustration grew into resentment. He began to notice other women more when he was out—something he hadn’t done in years. Their laughter, their attention to detail in their appearance—it all highlighted what he felt was missing at home.
One evening, after another day of polite but distant conversations, Seth found himself sitting in his car outside the grocery store. A thought crossed his mind: Does she even want to be married to me anymore?
That night, as he lay awake staring at the ceiling, he decided to pray. “God, I don’t know what to do. I feel unseen and unwanted, and I’m afraid of what these feelings are doing to me. Help me understand her heart, and show me how to love her, even when it’s hard.”
The next day, Seth approached Rosemary while she was folding laundry. “Can we talk?” he asked.
At first, she looked hesitant, but she sat down with him. Seth shared his feelings—not in anger, but in vulnerability. To his surprise, Rosemary began to cry.
“I’m sorry,” she said through tears. “I’ve been so focused on being a mom that I’ve forgotten how to be your wife. I didn’t realize how much this was hurting you.”
They decided to be intentional about restoring their relationship. They started scheduling time together without distractions—simple things like taking a walk or sharing a late-night conversation after their daughter was asleep. Slowly, the distance between them began to close.
Seth also realized that intimacy wasn’t just about physical connection—it was about emotional and spiritual closeness too. As they prayed together, he found his love for Rosemary deepening in ways he hadn’t expected.
The verse from 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 became a cornerstone for their renewed commitment. They learned that honoring each other’s needs wasn’t just a duty but a privilege that strengthened their bond and guarded their marriage against the enemy’s schemes.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of marriage and the love that binds us together.
Forgive us for the times we neglect our spouse’s needs or allow frustration to harden our hearts.
Help us to love selflessly and intentionally, as You love us. Lord, guide us to prioritize our marriages, protecting them from temptation and distraction.
Teach us to seek You in our struggles and to find strength in Your Word.
Like Seth and Rosemary, may we be reminded that intimacy in marriage is a reflection of Your design and a source of joy when nurtured with care.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
