Scripture

Mark 10:6-9 "From the very first God made man and woman to be joined together permanently in marriage; therefore a man is to leave his father and mother, and he and his wife are united so that they are no longer two, but one. And no man may separate what God has joined together."

Message

The sting of this Scripture burns deeper than most for me. Being raised by parents who had their share of unstable and unsuccessful relationships (thirteen marriages between them), it took me years before I learned the true meaning of marriage and being committed to that person, for better or worse! Marriage is not easy. This much I have learned. Two people living under the same roof, with different thoughts, personalities and ideas, it is nearly impossible not to argue. When you do fight you need to fight fair. Never hit below the belt and never say anything you might regret later. Try hard not to throw a mistake from the past in their face when words are exchanged. They told you that in confidence, as a friend. Leave it in the past where it belongs. Do not throw your marriage away because you think it is too hard, for this is not what God intended. Nothing worth doing comes easy. When you feel lost and confused, do not leave. Take time to reflect on the past. Go somewhere and think. Think of all the good that has come with the vows you said so long ago. Love. Companionship. Children. Memories. A nice warm home. Friendship. Neighbors. Good times. Laughter. There had to be some laughter in the beginning. Take a minute to remember why you laughed together, and try to recapture that moment again. You can not do this alone. Ask God to help you.

If your spouse has abandoned you, do not despair. Do not give up hope for a new relationship someday. The Lord has a plan for all of us. A very special one is reserved for you, in His name. Ask Him to show you what it is, but in His time, so your future will be blessed for eternity. Ask Him. He is only a prayer away.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I am so confused. I am hurting so deep inside I can barely feel my heart anymore. I need your strength, Father. I need your love. The evil forces that surround me are pulling me down into the deepest darkest hole. Save me from them, Lord. Don't let them steal my life, my joy, my world. Keep me away from those who want me to fail. Take me under your powerful wing and protect me, Father. Let me know that you will never abandon me in my time of need. Bless me and bless my precious family with your grace and mercy. Give me the patience to deal with others in my life. Give me the wisdom to know what is right and what is not. And please forgive me when I can not hear your voice above the temptations of this imperfect world. Help me to believe that you are never more than a prayer away when I call, for I am calling you now, Father. I need you. Please hear my cry. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.