You’re Facing Divorce. Now What?

No one starts a marriage not expecting it to last. Life seems sweet and perfect when you’re exchanging vows before a fully packed church. At this point most people believe that their vows will stay intact forever.

Unfortunately, sometimes things change. Despite our best efforts, some of us may find ourselves facing the sad reality of an imminent divorce from the one we once loved (and maybe still do).

You wanted it to work. It’s hard to handle the realization that a marriage is dissolving. So how do you overcome the pain of divorce? It isn’t easy. Divorce is one of the most painful and emotionally draining experiences you will ever go through. 

You may not always feel it, but God is always with you. The Bible says:

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Psalms 147:3

Despite all the painful moments, remember that there is hope, peace, and calm through Jesus Christ. He heals the brokenhearted and draws close to the weary. Though you may be feeling lonely, angry, abandoned, or resentful, God will walk with you through every step of your divorce. He is a trusted shoulder to lean on and will get you through this broken season for His glory. 

Trust God

How can you trust God when it feels like your whole world is shifting? As hard as it is to remember when you’re feeling such pain, God, the author of the universe, has a perfect plan for you. He desires the best for you. Even when He seems distant, He hasn’t abandoned you. He has a good plan for your life despite the current circumstances.

You may also feel that, by dissolving your marriage vows, you’re not truly honoring God. The truth is, no matter what your situation, God still loves you and wants you as His child. Trust in that love and thank Him for whatever you can. Let Him take your burdens. The Bible says:

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:7

Know that You Are Qualified

As painful as suffering is, God can bring good out of any circumstances. Even through your pain, you are being shaped by God to become a vessel that will bring Him honor and glory. You may not be able to see it now, but the Lord is shaping you for better days ahead. He will use your trials to bless you so you can lift up others. 

Let Go

In your hands is the power of decision. Even if your heart’s not in it, choose to let go of the painful past and move on with life while trusting God for a fresh start. Remember His unfailing love. Refuse to wallow in self-pity, regret, hopelessness, and sorrow. Allow God to take the driver’s seat and fulfill His plan in your life.

God Has Something Better for You

Despite the fact that all of a sudden, everything seems to have come to a painful end, do not despair. God still has a plan for your life. It may be difficult to understand how God could allow such pain and brokenness to come into your life, never mind use it for your good, but He never stops working to give you His best. 

Reflect on these scriptures and return to them in especially difficult moments: 

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”

Luke 12:32

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

Be Steadfast In Prayer

Pray without ceasing. Pray for your children, your spouse, yourself, and anyone else impacted by the prevailing circumstances. Ask God to protect your children and to give them the boldness to always see a Big God in every desert of calamity.

Ask God to heal your heart of any hate and pain from the relationship, to give you strength to weather the storm, and to restore your life’s beauty for ashes, all to the glory of His name.