How do you cope when the unthinkable happens? Read more...
Google Dictionary defines healing as "the process of making or becoming sound or healthy again." As I reflect on the state of my heart after a painful divorce, I can't help but see that God's divine intervention would be needed to restore what was broken to make me whole again.
Almost every young girl dreams of getting married and living happily ever after. Thoughts of separation or divorce are not something we envision ever having to go through; those thoughts are unwelcome and unwanted. But how do you cope when the unthinkable happens? Can I tell you, I went from shock to denial and into a state of depression with two young daughters to care for and focus on. My heart shattered into a million tiny pieces; we would all need God to take us through those difficult moments.
Psalm 147:3 (NIV) states, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." I must say, it was not easy to accept this life-giving word, meant to provide comfort and a sense of peace. Our world was changed in one fell swoop, and trust was broken all around, even towards my heavenly Father.
I became lost in my own world, shutting everyone out. However, there came a time when I could no longer wallow in the pit of despair; God sent some angels in the form of friends to minister words of comfort and to intercede on our family's behalf.
Slowly, I allowed God's words to penetrate my heart, soul, and spirit; I chose to forgive, and believe me, it didn't happen overnight; that was a long process. As the years went by, the bitterness, unforgiveness, hatred, and all the hardness of my heart were replaced with forgiveness. The wounds were bound up with the love of God.
Today, you may be in a place where you need the Lord to heal and bind up your heart. I want to encourage you to trust Him in the process. Go through the different stages of your grief; don't rush, but don't linger too long either, and watch Him give you beauty for ashes, strength for fear, gladness for mourning, and peace for despair. (Beauty for Ashes – Crystal Lewis)
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