Where’s God when we need him most. It seems like that is the time he is the hardest to find. When we go through trials in our marriage and we feel empty and alone we should be able to turn to our faith for comfort and guidance. Some people do this easier than others and laying their worries at the feet of the cross is the first thing they do. However, there are many others that struggle as I do in finding God in the midst of turmoil. I’ll be the first to admit I’m one of the lucky ones. When I found out about my husband’s addiction he was open, honest and willing to do whatever it took for him to get the help he needed. Many stories don’t go like this. In fact I’ve received and responded to many women who have asked the question, my husband refuses to get help, what should I do?! Or my husband says he can stop on his own, what should I do?! So here’s the thought to ponder, how do I get in touch with God if I cannot get in touch with my husband?
The first piece of advice I always give is to begin with prayer. Even when it seems God isn’t listening, he is! Pray constantly and if your husband is willing to pray with you I encourage you to do that together. Second is dive into The Word. Spend some quality time reading scripture and asking God to give you guidance and wisdom on the things you’re reading. You’ll be surprised at how God will show you the answer in His word. Job is a great book of the bible highlighting this exact point. God allows a man, Job, to be tested in all ways-short of the devil killing him. His family is killed, his animals killed, he gets sores all over his body etc. This is what Job has to say to his wife who asks him why not just “curse God and die!” Job 2:10 He replied, “You are talking like a foolish[b] woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” Job realized that even in all his turmoil he needed to go to God first, knowing God had a plan and would fulfill his promise. Because of Job’s response to those trials he was rewarded by even more blessings at the end of the chapter. My point is this, even in times of trouble we need to seek God’s hand and trust his plan for us.
Too often we find ourselves asking the questions why and not waiting for an answer. Be patient and trust that God has a plan for your life. Even when things are falling apart around you God is there for you!
Josh Wilson wrote an amazing song called “Fall Apart” Here is part of the words he sings. I pray you find comfort in them just as I did.
Blessed are the ones who understand
They’ve got nothing to bring but empty hands
Nothing to hide and nothing to prove
Our heartbreak brings us back to you
And it all seems upside down
‘Cause my whole world is caving in
But I feel you now more than I did then
How can I come to the end of me
But somehow still have all I need?
God I want to know you more
Maybe this is how it starts
I find you when I fall apart
Unfortunately not all stories have a happy ending.