Tekoa Manning

15 years ago, a girlfriend and I were going to see Jeremiah Yocom in concert.
He sang one of my favorite songs, “ He knows my Name.”
At this point in our relationship, Jeff and I had spoken on the phone a couple of times and had a brief meeting at my assembly when he came to speak.
Now, he was requesting to come to the concert with us. I asked my friend if that would be okay, and she said it was fine. Jeff called the next day to see if his pastor and father could come to the concert.
What?
I was a bit nervous about being under everyone's scrutiny. I was having a hard enough time breathing when he called.

Throughout the set, he would lean over and ask me if I needed anything. Can I get you a bottle of water or something to drink? Are you okay? On and on. My friend pointed out how attentive he was to me and how she could tell he liked me. I was even more nervous then. After every date, Jeff would pray for our relationship. He took his time getting to know me.

Today is our 14th wedding anniversary, and we have survived sickness and health, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, and more.

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” — Proverbs 18:22

FINDS a wife— not just “gets married.”

The Hebrew idea behind “finds” implies discernment and intentionality.
It’s not passive. It suggests the man seeks wisely, recognizing value, and chooses with understanding.

Why does he obtain favor from the Holy One? It’s not good luck.
The verse is not saying Marriage automatically equals a blessing or that women are “objects” to be found. It’s not even saying that a man is incomplete without a wife…

What is it really saying? When a man chooses wisely and righteously, the relationship itself becomes part of God’s blessing.

That night, as I sang the song that had helped me make it through homelessness and chronic illness and loss, I periodically glanced over at Jeff. Could he be the one?
Finding a good spouse involves prayer and time.

He knows my name and He knows your name. Here are the lyrics…

He counts the stars, one and all
He knows how much sand is on the shores
He sees every sparrow that falls
He made the mountains and the seas
He's in control of everything
Of all creatures, great and small

And He knows my name
Every step that I take
Every move that I make
Every tear that I cry
He knows my name
When I'm overwhelmed by the pain
And can't see the light of day
I know I'll be just fine
'Cause He knows my name
Jeffrey Manning