I hope you don't mind that I post this but I feel that it might answer some of your questions. I received it via email yesterday:
THE TRUE PATH TO HAPPINESS -
"Happy are those who walk in the law of the Lord." Psalm 119:1
Occasionally I receive comments about this devotional stating that I am giving individuals false hope for the healing of their marriages. These individuals say they have stood long enough and the Lord wants them to get on with their lives. I have searched God's Word high and low for scriptures that justify this, but I have found none. The world will never provide true happiness, but God's Word says, "Happy are those who walk in the law of the Lord."
Moreover, what does God's Word have to say about the divorced and separated?
"To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain single or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife." 1 Corinthians 7:10-11
God's Word does not say go out and find another spouse. God's Word does not say go out and date other people. God's Word DOES say to remain single or reconcile with your spouse! God does not give you a task without providing the grace necessary to do it.
"If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will be not also along with him, graciously give us all things?" Romans 8:31-32
God will graciously give you all things when you are obedient to His Word. Seeking the world's remedies to your problems will never bring happiness. Nothing can separate you from the love of Christ except your own willful disobedience to His leading.
"Who shall separate us form the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword (or separation or divorce)? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35, 37-39
Only God can fill the emptiness in your heart. Your absent spouse cannot fill the emptiness nor can the lure of the world. Only Jesus Christ can fill your love hunger. Seek the peace that only comes from the Father.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
God does not promise happiness but troubles in this world. I hear from Standers that have given up the fight. They say they have heard from the Lord and He wants them to be "happy." This is simply not scriptural and therefore cannot be from God. When feelings like this well up in your heart, run to the throne of grace to fill yourself with God's merciful love.
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:33-34
Standing involves seeking the Lord and His mercy, one day at a time. The Lord is with you every step of the way.
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16
Only God can provide the mercy and grace needed to continue standing for the healing of your family. The world can only deliver empty promises. God hurts when you hurt. He knows first hand the feelings of loneliness and rejection that you are experiencing. He wants to help. Patiently wait for the Lord and His deliverance. He will never fail you!
"Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows...He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:4-5
Jesus was bruised for you. He died for your salvation. By His stripes, you are healed and that includes a healed marriage. Do not give up on your only source of hope, Jesus Christ. The world will never deliver happiness nor solve your marital problems. Only the Lord can do that. Do not turn your back on Him. He is waiting and willing to meet your every need. Do not lose hope. God will see you though.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
The Bomb: 08/05 H moves out: 06/2006 H moves back: 01/07 & Out again: 01/07 H moves back: 03/08 & Out again: 04/08 H moves back: 05/09 & Out again: 07/09 Divorced 08-12 Kids: 22, 20, 19
