Rather Than Drowning Your Sorrows
The phone rang again, but I still wasn’t ready to talk.
However, my friend, Susan, wouldn’t give up.
“Hello.” With that one word, my voice cracked with emotion.
“Are you okay?”
“No.”
“Do you want me to come over?”
Her compassion won me over. “Yes.”
When she arrived, she gave me a long hug.
My sobs made it hard for me to choke out the words. “Bert wants a divorce.” Her words of consolation calmed my heart and we began to pray.
“God, save this marriage,” Susan prayed.
“Change Bert’s heart – and change mine,” I prayed. (Bert and I both made a lot of mistakes in the years leading up to that moment).
In time, God transformed Bert’s and my marriage into a better one. It still isn’t perfect, but we rejoice in what God has done – and continues to do – in (and with) us.
Years have passed since that horrible day, but I still remember the punch in my gut when Bert expressed his desire to end our marriage. How differently would my situation have turned out if instead of praying with my friend, I had chosen to hang out with friends at a local bar?
Anyone who knows me would laugh at this thought; but I want to make an important point using Matthew 18:20 (ESV):
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.
When you experience a crisis or heartbreak, rather than drowning your sorrows with worthless or destructive means or listening to people who don’t share your faith, why not seek one or more people who value God’s presence and ask them to pray with you?
When someone prays with us when we’re struggling, it helps us believe – and know – that God hasn’t given up on us. We begin to move from despair toward hope.
I’m convinced that had I not done so, Bert and I wouldn’t be married today. I’ll always appreciate Susan making herself available to pray with me.
Thankfully, we don’t have to wait for a crisis to pray with each other. Gathering to pray for our families, communities, churches, other nations and our country is always good. Indeed, let’s join in prayer every time we need God’s presence to enter into our situation.
What do you think?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Others might also benefit from your comment.)
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I used the drown my sorrows approach. It didn’t work and it delayed my healing. On my own I loved it. I could get smashed and be in oblivion where I didn’t have to feel. It was convenient and it was MY world where I controlled how I FELT. Toward the end I couldn’t control how I felt and it turned on me. Would it have been better to go straight to friends for prayer and support. Sure,but I didn’t want to. No false story here this is my story. I’m not there now because I live by the 12 steps of AA. I have the prayerful support of total strangers and it has made the difference.
Hi, Joe. Welcome to Today Can Be Different! I appreciate your comment – especially your candor.
Wow!! I praise God that you’ve found help through AA – and the prayers of those who support you.
What a blessing to have a friend like Susan!
2 Corinthians 1:4
“Who comforts us in all our suffering, so that we may be able to comfort others in all their suffering, as we ourselves are being comforted by God.”
I see your point Sheryl. We need to turn to God and believe his word. Y’all prayed according to God’s will. God desired/desires for your marriage to be saved. It is God who instituted marriage. Marriage is not a man made institute. I love how you always promote marriage. We don’t hear that often these days. I remember when you went through that trying heartbreaking time. I did not see how your marriage could survive but you continued to insist that prayer be for your marriage. I was and still am blown away by the miracle that took place! God really performed a miracle and I’m thankful God gave both you and Susan the faith to believe God was going to work this miracle. It truly was a miracle.
Hello, Barbara, dear faithful friend. You were another friend who prayed with me. I only shared with a few people what was going on. And though you and I never met in person, your love and encouragement helped so much. Thank you.
And thank you also, Barbara, for sharing this week’s devotion on your Facebook page. I hope Bert’s and my story will encourage others.
Seeking wise counsel is so important. Having godly friends is also important.
Indeed!! I thank God for the godly friends He has given me.