Divorce in the Bible: Where to Turn When Your Marriage Has Ended

Divorce is complicated. Divorce in the ancient world was not the same as in modern America. Pastors and Bible scholars have gone around and around trying to interpret and understand the passages about divorce in the Bible from Paul, Jesus, and Malachi.

If your marriage is ending, Scripture passages about divorce in the Bible can give you comfort when you are struggling with loneliness, abandonment, and other heartbreak related to divorce.

It can be hard to know where to turn after divorce, and you may struggle with knowing who to trust.

Turn to your God after divorce

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing – Psalm 68:5-6, NIV

Family is part of God’s plan for people. Being part of a family is not easy, and you may not always look the way you planned or hoped. Throughout history, families have been broken by war, disease, and many other things. Divorce is one of the breaking of families, but healing can still happen. After breaking, new families can be made, and God cares for all families and people.

My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. – Psalm 25:15-17, NIV

Learning to turn to God when you are feeling sorrow will help you when you feel discouraged. He is always present, and He loves you no matter what you do or where you go. Regular prayer and other spiritual practices can be a balm to your soul through the season of divorce.

Turn to your community for support

Your community and friends can become a support when you are in a season of rearranging your family. Regardless of the change in marital status, there will still be those who love you and want to help you.

All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day, they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. – Acts 2:44-47, NIV

When the new Christians built their community, they sought each other. They supported each other in spiritual and practical ways. The people who are here for you in the hardest times will also celebrate with you when things go well. Reach out to friends and family when things are hard. Your community wants to be there for you.

Turn to your counselor to work through divorce

Navigating a divorce is hard, even with God and even with your community. The words of a good counselor can take you through the ups and downs of the divorce.

Even in laughter, the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief. – Proverbs 14:13, NIV

Making decisions before, during, and after a divorce can be tricky. The counseling that is provided by the Christian counselors in Longview, Washington can be useful and timely for whatever part of the journey you are on. Contact our office today at Longview Christian Counseling in Washington to learn more.