Divorce is a chaotic and challenging event that leaves our lives completely changed. The divorce rate continues to remain high across our nation. Many who are going through or have gone through divorce are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. Divorce carries with it so many major life shifts including a loss of the future vision of our lives, a change in life style or life patterns, loss of a partner, changes in personal finance, and change in our family dynamic.
As individuals face the prospect of divorce and move through the realities of this life shift they can experience a wide variety of emotions including: anger, grief, fear, release, betrayal, abandonment, resentment, guilt, or shame. These are sadly common and represent responses that most people will experience with divorce.
One of the most important parts of the divorce process is to begin healing. People often view that healing from divorce comes with the start of a new relationship. However, healing must begin prior to the start of any new relationships. The best place to begin the healing process is through time for self-examination. We must invite God to examine our hearts to show us the places where we caused strain or harm to the relationship. As we allow God to examine our hearts and minds, he will show us the places where we were not our best and did not build up the relationship. Additionally, it is important to accept the reality of the change that is occurring and to process the feelings you are experiencing.
SCRIPTURES
Psalm 139:23-24 - "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Psalm 119:28 - "My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word."
Ephesians 4:31-32 - "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Psalm 9:10 - "Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."
1 John 4:4 - You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."