Marriage can be a complicated topic to approach in today’s world. On one hand, it’s a beautiful institution that God has designed for mankind in which two souls become one and vow to love, protect and accompany one another down life’s long, winding roads. On the other hand, it’s no secret that marriage isn't always picnic, and the vows couples trade when wed are much more than ceremonious displays of loyalty. They’re conscious decisions the couple promises to make every day they’re blessed with together.

In this day and age, godly marriages face more obstacles than ever. It’s all too easy to get discouraged and lose sight of God’s plan for the life you share with your partner—whether you've been together a few years or 50. Fortunately, in these stormy moments of confusion and dismay, God’s Word is a lighthouse guiding you back to shore. Here’s a look at some couples from the Bible, their far-from-perfect marriages, and the inspirations we can take from them and apply to our own relationships.

1. Adam and Eve: Genesis 2:15-3:13

The best place to begin a conversation about biblical marriages is with the very first one. There’s arguably no other biblical couple that was more flawed and yet, simultaneously, holy and ordained by God. In Adam and Eve’s story, you see that when God brings couples together, he creates for each person a companion who compliments the other's strengths. Additionally, you see God’s original plan for human marriage and how deceit and lack of faith warped and distorted it.

2. Abraham and Sarah: Genesis 17:1-8 & 15-22, 21:1-7

Life can have a way of putting you and your spouse’s plans on hold. In the case of Abraham and Sarah, they waited a lifetime (quite literally) to conceive and bear a child through which their family would be complete.  As an older adult, whether you're married, have lost a spouse or never married, chances are you have had to wait on God's plan in your life. You might be waiting on it now. Sowing seeds of patience and forbearance in your marriage (or life) helps you reap the abundance and contentment God wants for you.

3. Hosea and Gomer: Hosea 1 and 3

The story of Hosea and Gomer demonstrates the epitome of what it means to love somebody unconditionally. Gomer is an infamously promiscuous woman who is not only unfaithful to the prophet Hosea on multiple occasions but even goes so far as selling herself into prostitution. Time and time again, Hosea forgives Gomer for her blatant unfaithfulness and even purchases her back from prostitution in the name of preserving their marriage.

The purpose of this painful story of unreciprocated love is in the imagery it paints for us: it’s a vivid depiction of God’s relationship with Israel in this time period. As Israel repeatedly betrays God by worshiping false gods and pursuing carnal pleasures and desires, God continually remains steadfast in his love and mercy for his people and promises eventual deliverance through a Redeemer, Who would take on all the consequential pain and agony of Israel’s lack of faithfulness and restore the broken relationship between God and his people once and for all.

In Hosea and Gomer, you see the need to love and forgive your spouse and others (and your need for love and forgiveness too).

4. Joseph and Mary & Zechariah and Elizabeth: Luke 1

The story of Joseph and Mary, and their trust and faith in God, is well-known—perhaps universally. As the parents of Christ himself, their relationship has been a source of inspiration and encouragement to Christian couples for literal millennia. In light of this, the concurrent story of Zechariah and Elizabeth in the opening of the Gospel of Luke can sometimes be overshadowed, despite the fact that the stories actually coincide biblically.

For both of these couples, a prioritization of God’s will above all else and their courage to carry it out to the best of their ability is a central theme. Despite some moments of fear and doubt that both of these couples experienced, their commitment to and trust in God’s omniscience and love changed their own lives and ultimately changed the world itself. When you and your partner glorify God by placing his will for your life together over your own, the depth and fortitude of your relationship can grow exponentially and become more and more solid with each passing year. It can also help point others to Jesus.

Marriage is challenging. A lifelong companionship full of love, forgiveness and support does not come without a lot of work and devotion to your spouse. But, as God’s Word reminds us, anything is possible for those with faith (Mark 9:23) and where love and faith meet, righteousness and peace kiss each other (Psalm 85:10).

Senior couples that want to continue their time together can still consider assisted living communities as an option. The two-bedroom companion suites at ViewPointe assisted living in Colorado Springs offer plenty of room for a couple to enjoy life while benefiting from all the amenities the community has to offer.