At church today, I was reminded of our wedding 47 years ago by the entry Psalm 37:1-18 but especially our chosen verses 37:3-5.

Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the Lord
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord
trust in him and he will give you this.

At the time, when I was young and in the business of planning the wedding and waiting for this day, my dreams, thoughts and wishes were in the desires of the heart. We were both committed and had stated that Christ was to be the central person in our marriage. God has given us so much in the succeeding years, but God, in his wisdom, has allowed many difficulties also to be our lot. Despite these difficulties we are more committed to him.

Australia is still the safe pastures, he has turned my heart to him and, as I mature in knowing him, I can delight in him. I know that he has given me strength for these difficulties and that he will continue to do so as they have still not departed from my life. This gives me the hope to ‘trust and obey’ as we sing in the popular song.

I know that as we go about our lives, he allows us to live each day not knowing what the world, mankind and the evil powers can try to do to gain our lives. They are trying to take us away from his love and forgiveness as they tempt us to turn from the love of God. It requires a daily renewing of our commitment to him, so that we can stand with all the saints who have gone before us, and it is the Holy Spirit who gives us the power. What a wonderful joy it is to be able to stand in God’s presence every day, because he is so near to me that I do not fear what tomorrow may bring.

Prayer:
Dear Lord God, I thank you for the 47 years you have given me, my loyal marriage partner and that we have continued to have you as the central person. Today I pray for all marriages, that they may be dedicated to you; be with those who have lost their loved ones and give them friends who will support them. Loving Father be with those who have never married and fill them with joy so that they are fulfilled in you. Amen.

About the Author

Roslyn Zadow

I was born in Narrogin, the third daughter of a farming family. I was schooled in Wickepin and attended Narrogin church. When I was eight years old, a missionary from new Guinea showed slides and I felt the calling to become a mission nurse in New Guinea. I trained at Royal Perth Hospital, did midwifery at the women’s in Melbourne and studied child health back in Western Australia, then worked in New Guinea for 2 ½ years. Married with four children and seven grandchildren, I worked for 25 years in maternal and child health and for ten years as parish nurse. I Love the Lord. He saves me.