ON CHRISTIANITY

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: My husband just dumped me for another woman, and I am crushed. I don’t see how I can carry on, I feel so worthless and helpless. How could anyone be so heartless, abandoning not only me but our two children? Please pray for us.

— K.S. DEAR K.S.: God gave marriage to us, and one reason He opposes divorce is because He knows the deep hurt it causes those who have been betrayed by their spouse’s unfaithfulness. The Bible says, “The man who hates and divorces his wife… does violence to the one he should protect” (Malachi 2:16).

Your feelings are understandable. You can’t help but feel betrayed and abandoned. You also may wonder if there is something wrong with you. Why, you may say to yourself, did he reject me for another woman? He alone is to blame for what he’s done, and you must not allow yourself to be filled with self-doubt or feelings of worthlessness. You are of infinite value to God. If you weren’t, Jesus Christ never would have given His life for you.

Ask God to help you focus not on the past but on the future. He loves you, and He knows what you’re going through. He wants to encourage you and help you. And He will, as you open your heart and life to Christ and commit each day to Him. May the Psalmist’s experience become yours: “I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me” (Psalm 118:13).

Ask God also to surround you with friends who can encourage and help you (perhaps through their experience of divorce). A good place to start may be with your church, many of which have special programs to help those who are going through divorce.