The Loss of a Spouse
The Loss of a Spouse through Divorce
It is important for a divorced person to understand that it is possible to recover from the trauma
of a failed marriage. God’s grace, his help, his favour is what you need to restore your wounded
soul to wholeness.^6
He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3
While God’s grace is available for your emotional healing, you are the key to your own
recovery. Whether you get healed or how soon you do get healed depends on you.
8 Stages
- Shock––The unexpected has happened. I never dreamt this would
happen to my marriage. I am helpless. - Fear––What will become of me? Is my life over? How will I cope?
- Guilt––I have failed. It is my fault. Maybe there was something I
could have done to prevent this from happening. - Hurt/pain––I ache, my heart bleeds. I feel rejected.
- Anger––How could he/she do this to me? How could he/she treat
me so contemptuously? - Acceptance––So be it. What has happened has happened. I will
face it. - Forgiveness––I choose to forgive him/her. I let go, I release the
grudge. I am liberated. - Healing––The Lord is working on me. His Holy Spirit is like oil,
balm for my wound. His love soothes and takes away my pain. He is
changing me––making me a better, stronger person.^7