In the middle of life’s busyness—between work, raising children, and serving our communities—it’s easy for marriage to take a backseat. But as busy wives and mothers, we know that building a strong marriage is more than something to check off on our to-do list. Taking time for regular date nights isn’t just a luxury; it’s a powerful investment in your relationship, your faith, and your family. Together in this post we’ll dive into why date nights still matter, how they bless our marriages, and practical ways to make time for each other, no matter how busy life becomes.
Why Date Night Matters for a Strong Marriage
In a culture that prioritizes productivity and busyness, the concept of “date night” might feel out of reach. But spending intentional time with your spouse is one of the most powerful ways to nurture and grow your marriage. Date nights are about more than having fun; they’re a way to strengthen your connection, cultivate emotional intimacy, and deepen your bond.
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
Genesis 2:24
This oneness described in Genesis is something we’re called to nurture and protect, even with the many demands of daily life. Regular date nights give us the space to remember our commitment, refocus on each other, and keep the romance alive—all of which are crucial for a strong, faith-centered marriage.
The Impact of Date Night on Your Marriage, Family, and Faith
1. Build a Strong Foundation for Your Family
A healthy marriage sets the tone for the entire family. When children see their parents prioritizing each other, it gives them a sense of security and stability within the home. They grow up witnessing a relationship founded on love, respect, and faith. It also models to them what a Christ-centered marriage looks like, shaping and set the standard for their own future relationships.
“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”
Proverbs 22:6
By making your marriage a priority, you’re setting an example that goes beyond words, teaching your children the importance of love, sacrifice, and devotion.
Action Step: Set the Foundation
Schedule a date night with your husband and use this time to set the foundation. Ask yourselves: What do we want our children to witness in our marriage and how we interact with one another? How are we honoring God and each other in our marriage?
2. Rekindle Emotional Intimacy and Romance
The early seasons of engagement and marriage are often filled with romance and excitement, but over time, those butterflies and jitters can fade. Scheduling regular date nights allows you and your husband to step out of the daily grind and reconnect on a deeper level, reigniting the emotional and romantic spark in your relationship. Song of Solomon 8:6 beautifully captures the passion that should remain in marriage: “Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as enduring as the grave. Love flashes like fire, the brightest kind of flame.”
Action Step: Schedule a Monthly Date Night in Advance
If weekly date nights aren’t easy to come by, try setting aside one day a month to spend time together. Mark it on the calendar and treat it as a nonnegotiable commitment. Sit down with your spouse, pull out your calendars and schedule your date nights for the next 4 months.
3. Create Space to Grow in Faith Together
When we invite God into our marriage, He blesses us with wisdom, peace, joy and strength. Date nights are an opportunity not only to connect with each other but to connect with God. Whether you’re discussing your faith, praying together, or sharing your challenges, these moments can draw you closer as a couple and as believers.
“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”
Matthew 18:19-20
By spending dedicated time with each other in God’s presence, you’re strengthening the spiritual foundation of your marriage to keep it impenetrable from the enemy’s tactics.
Action Step: Incorporate Prayer into Date Night
Begin your date with a simple prayer, asking God to be with you and bless your time together. This can set a positive tone and keep your focus on Him and each other.
4. Protect Your Marriage from the Pressures of Life
Every marriage faces its share of challenges, and busy seasons can put even the strongest marriages to the test. Regular date nights act as just one of many buffers against these pressures by providing a time to relax, laugh, and reconnect without the distractions of everyday life. 1 Peter 5:8 warns, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Prioritizing your marriage helps safeguard it from division, stress, temptations and miscommunication.
Read more: How to Prioritize Your Marriage When Life Gets Busy
7 Simple and Affordable Ideas for Date Nights
Date nights don’t have to be expensive or elaborate to be meaningful, they also don’t need to be lengthy. The goal is to spend intentional time together, so focus on what brings you both joy and relaxation. Here are a few ideas:
1. Movie Night at Home
- Pick a favorite movie, make some popcorn or order in, and have a cozy night in. Parents can have date nights in after the kids are in bed.
2. Go for a Scenic Walk
- Enjoy a quiet walk through a park or by the beach. Use this time to talk and reconnect. You could even bring a blanket and have a picnic together.
3. Cook a Meal Together
- Try a new recipe or make yours or his favorite meal together. Cooking can be a fun, interactive way to spend time together; and also is a great way to strengthen communication and teamwork skills.
4. Game Night
- Play a board game or card game you both could enjoy. Laughter and friendly competition can make for a memorable evening. I highly recommend Battleship and UNO!
Date Night Ideas for Spiritual Connection
If you want to focus on your faith during your date night, try these ideas:
5. Bible Study or Devotional Time
- Choose a devotional or Bible study to commit to reading through together. This practice, couple with prayer, is a powerful way to connect through your faith together.
6. Praise and Worship Night
- Play your favorite worship songs, sing along, and spend time praising God together. You can start small with this, like having a worship playlist on in the car as you drive somewhere.
7. Attend a Church Event Together-Outside of Sunday Service
- Many churches offer couples’ nights, worship events, or group Bible studies. Attending one together can be a refreshing to deepen your connection.
For more ideas and inspiration, don’t hesitate to join our community where we share practical ways to strengthen your marriage and grow in faith together.
For ideas on how to spice up your marriage, read our post 30 Ways To Love Your Husband Well.
Overcoming Obstacles to Date Night
1. Find Time for Date Night Amid a Busy Schedule
If you’re juggling multiple responsibilities, finding time for date night can feel impossible. But prioritizing your marriage doesn’t have to mean setting aside an entire night each week. Start with small moments and build from there. You could even start with spending one night a week after the kids are in bed, or you’ve finished working/cleaning, to watch your show together or talk about your day.
Action Step: Schedule Your Date Nights in Advance
Whether it’s once a week or once a month, put date night on both of your calendars and treat it as a priority. That means no rescheduling unless an emergency has come up! This small step can help you guard that time against other commitments.
2. Budget-Friendly Tips for Christian Couples
Finances can be a barrier to date night, but building a strong marriage doesn’t require spending a lot of money. Instead, focus on creative, cost-effective ways to connect. Remember, it’s not about the activity itself but the quality time you’re sharing.
Action Step: Make a List of Date Night Ideas That You’ll Enjoy
Grab a pen and paper, or open your notes app, and write out 25-30 ideas for date nights. When you’ve completed your list, go through it and underline or highlight those ideas that fit your needs and budget.
Why a God Honoring Marriage is a Lifelong Covenant
Marriage is a holy covenant created by God, not purely a law abiding contract or romantic adventure.
“This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”
Mark 10:7-9
When we nurture our marriage, we honor God’s design and demonstrate His love in a way that extends to everyone around us.
Our marriages are meant to be lifelong commitments, built on love, faith, and dedication. Regular date nights allow us to keep this covenant strong, not only for ourselves but for our families. Investing in your marriage isn’t just a blessing to you and your husband, it’s a testimony of God’s faithfulness, goodness, and grace.
Final Thoughts: Why Date Night Still Matters
In the end, prioritizing date night is about more than just time together—it’s about honoring the beautiful covenant of marriage that God has blessed us with. In the midst of life’s busyness, we can choose to invest in our marriages, nurturing them with love, faith, and joy. When we do, we’re building a legacy for our children and creating a foundation that withstands life’s challenges.
As you consider your own marriage, ask yourself how you can start making time for date nights, even if it’s just a few moments each week. Remember that by strengthening your relationship with your husband, you’re also glorifying God and setting a powerful example for those around you.
If you’re looking for more support on your journey, join our community to connect with other Christian wives dedicated to growing their marriages in faith.
share this post with a friend who may also need encouragement in her marriage!
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