Today's Scripture
"God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" Hebrews 13:5 NIV
Thoughts for Today
Estimates of the divorce rate in the United States range from 35 to 50 percent. Sadly, the rate among Christians does not differ significantly from that of non-Christians. "Although many Christian churches attempt to dissuade congregants from getting a divorce, the research confirmed a finding identified by Barna a decade ago (and further confirmed through tracking studies conducted each year since): born again Christians have the same likelihood of divorce as do non-Christians." 1
God's original plan was that couples should remain married as long as both live (Genesis 2:24-25). Divorce was not God's idea. In fact, He hates divorce--but He loves the divorced person. God's will is for us to make a lifetime commitment to our spouse--and keep it. The reality is that many of us divorce. Sometimes we have no choice. Sometimes we do. If your marriage has ended in divorce and there is no possibility for reconciliation, it is important to seek God's forgiveness for any part you may have played in the breakup. Learn from the past, but put it behind and begin building a new life.
Consider this …
Next to the death of a spouse, divorce brings the most intense pain in a person's life. The problem with trying to mourn a loss when death is not involved is that there are no formal rituals or ceremonies to acknowledge the finality of the loss and to minister to the mourners.
If you are struggling with the pain of divorce, remember that you are not alone. Even if it seems as if your world is crumbling around you, God is with you. He will never leave you. Jesus never changes--He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). And nothing can separate you from His unconditional love (Romans 8:35-39).
This week we are going to look at some of the many facets of divorce. A broken marriage brings not only legal divorce, but at least some of these "divorces" as well: emotional, economic, parental, community, and psychological. Each facet presents its own challenges and special kind of pain. But remember that our God is bigger than any struggle you may face. He cares. He is with you. And He is able to meet your needs.
Prayer
Father, I feel so alone. Help me remember that You are with me. Forgive me for the wrong choices I have made. Help me to refocus on Jesus and to trust you for today and for all the tomorrows. I thank you for your promise that You will never leave me. In Jesus' name …
1 "Born Again Christians Just As Likely to Divorce As Are Non-Christians." Posted September 8, 2004. Barna Group. http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/5-barna-update/194-born-again-christians-just-as-likely-to-divorce-as-are-non-christians?q=divorce. Accessed July 1, 2010.
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