At a class reunion (Class of 1953) a few years ago, I was amazed that only one person was divorced. Today, it is reported that one out of two marriages end in divorce. 

Regardless of what people may say, divorce leaves emotional scars on everyone involved.  Children suffer the most and show their pain, but many adults try to hide their feelings. 

I recently read the following in a quarterly publication, The Word for you Today, which I think is the best advice for people going through a divorce:

Recovering from Divorce

Divorce is like amputation; you survive, but it feels like there’s less of you. And it’s worse if you didn’t want the divorce, or feel abandoned by a church that does nothing to help. So, how can you “walk through this fire” without being burned?  By doing four things:

Forgive yourself.  “I…am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more” (Isa 43:25 NIV).  God forgives and forgets, and He will give you the grace to forgive yourself, too.

Forgive those who’ve hurt you. Forgiveness is the one power you always have over anybody who hurts you. So keep on forgiving, until the past no longer controls you. Make forgiveness your fixed attitude!  Only by forgiving and forgetting can you set it down and move on.

Take your time. Don’t make any big changes right now. You’re on an emotional roller coaster, vacillating between wanting them back and wanting them to suffer.  You’ve vulnerable to other people’s comments and easily drawn toward anybody who pays you attention. Slow down!  Healthy people make healthy choices, so spend time reading God’s Word, praying, seeking counsel, and allowing yourself to be made whole. 

Start giving back.  “Your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him” (2Ch 30:9 NIV).  Realizing God hasn’t turned His back on you is what enables you to “Comfort those in any trouble with the comfort [you] have received from God” (2Co 1:4 NIV).  When that happens, you’re becoming whole, your future’s bright and your possibilities unlimited.

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.