Young people contemplating marriage today look at the state of the world,
at the divorce statistics, at their own limitations, and are tempted to think that
marriage is unrealistic; and an increasing number are opting out.
But everything good requires effort, and the forces that are with us are
stronger than those against us. The Lord in His providence protects those who
trust in Him, and joins them to Himself, and to each other, and to heaven.
(WEO)
the power of one angel
The power of evil operating through falsity to tear the world apart is great, but
it is nothing compared to the power of good acting through truth. This is the
source of the angels’ power, which they use to defend us when we are tempted
by the hells.
“I have seen hundreds of thousands of evil spirits dispersed by angels
and cast down into hell,” Swedenborg wrote. “When an evil spirit is merely
looked at by the angels he falls into a swoon.” In fact, just one angel can wield
power we can hardly conceive of, and is “able to restrain a thousand all at
once.” (Arcana Coelestia 6344.4; Heaven and Hell 232)
Now think of this in regard to marriage. The more each partner, with the
support of the angels the Lord sends to help them, is freed from the influence of
evil spirits who delight in destroying marriages, the more closely the husband
and wife can be joined together. And in heaven, when they have become so
united as to form one angel themselves, they will be able at a glance to ward
off a thousand evil spirits – including ones that might be troubling some
couple on earth bravely striving to save their marriage.
Shine bright, thou golden ring, with gleam and glitter,
from fire that melts and welds the twain in one;
a perfect union, all the dross consuming.
Behold one angel when its work is done!
365
(WEO)