"For your Maker is your husband—the LORD Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth." Isaiah 54:5 (NIV)

I put on a new white garment and pulled my hair up into a chignon, just like I did when I was a young bride. But this time, I was headed to the attorney’s office.

After many years of effort, my marriage of 21 years was ending against my will.

I dreaded the first attorney meeting. Not because I expected it to be contentious — we had agreed on an uncontested split. My dread stemmed from the knowledge that this would be the first official step toward the end I had resisted with all my might.

The meeting started fine. I answered the attorney’s requests for names, dates and addresses. Then he asked where we were married.

“Gatlinburg, Tennessee,” I said. A city that only held good memories for me — of our trip to plan for our happy day, then our wedding a few months later, and a return trip for our 10th anniversary. The memory threads pulled at my heart, and an unexpected gush of grief spilled out.

In my many moments of sorrow during our difficult marriage, I had turned to Isaiah 54:4-8 for comfort. I clung to the hope that when I felt unloved, God’s promises were always true:

“For your Maker is your husband—the LORD Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth” (Isaiah 54:5).

The God of the whole earth, the Lord of hosts and the holy One of Israel, says He is my Husband. He calls me back to Him when I feel deserted and distressed in spirit (Isaiah 54:6). When I feel afraid, disgraced, ashamed and rejected, He shows me deep compassion (Isaiah 54:4; Isaiah 54:7). When I feel abandoned, He draws me near with everlasting kindness (Isaiah 54:8).

As followers of Jesus, we can be comforted by these intimate promises. People in our lives may break vows, abandon us, and let their love for us run cold — but our Lord never treats us this way. Instead, He promises that our weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning (Psalm 30:5). He gives us “a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair” (Isaiah 61:3a, NIV).

One day, the Church will be presented to Jesus as His bride, and everyone who believes in Him will feast together at the supper of the Lamb in heaven (Revelation 19:7-9). We will be wearing white, dressed beautifully for our Husband (Revelation 21:2).

For now, I take great comfort in knowing Jesus is right beside me every day, protecting me and loving me as my Redeemer and my heavenly Husband.

If you have placed your faith in Jesus, you are His bride, too, my friend. Whatever hurts you’ve experienced, He can handle. Whatever betrayal you’ve endured, He understands. His loving presence has been a constant balm to me in this difficult season. I pray that you will adorn yourself daily as His bride, enjoying spiritual intimacy with Him now as you wait expectantly for His return.

Dear Jesus, I praise You as my Maker and my Husband. What an honor it is to know You consider me Your bride! May I accept the garments of praise and joy You offer me, even in the trials I face. May Your loving presence be my constant comfort. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Sarah Geringer’s book Transforming Your Thought Life: Christian Meditation in Focus helps you manage painful thoughts. Click here to get your copy!

ENGAGE

Visit Sarah Geringer’s website to learn which resources have helped her most through this difficult season.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Isaiah 62:5, “As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you” (NIV).

Are you dealing with the pain of rejection, betrayal, separation or divorce? How does it encourage you to know that God rejoices over you? Share your thoughts and prayer requests in the comments.

© 2023 by Sarah Geringer. All rights reserved.