5 Days to a Fresh Start: Rebuilding After Divorce or SeparationSample

Day 4

How Did This Happen?

All who fear the LORD will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption, and perverse speech. (Proverbs 8:13)

Reflecting on my divorce, I often find myself pondering over how the marriage all came apart; how a bond I believed was unbreakable could simply crumble into nothingness. At the core of this shattered relationship was our pride —stubborn desires to always be right, to control, to come out on top. In the end, it was selfishness that stood at the heart of our broken relationship.

According to the Bible, Satan, once described as the model of perfection, ultimately embraced evil. His character shifted from perfect to evil due to his pride and desire for power. This led God to cast him out of heaven and impose a death sentence on him.

In a message sent to the Prince of Tyre (interpreted as Satan) in Ezekiel 28:11-19 (MSG), God provides insight into the reasons behind Satan’s fall from grace:

Satan was adorned with splendor and positioned as an anointed cherub in Eden. He embodied perfection. However, pride led to his downfall. His misuse of wisdom for personal gain and corrupt actions resulted in violence and sin, prompting his expulsion from God’s presence. Ultimately, Satan’s once magnificent form was reduced to ashes, a stark testament to the consequences of pride and corruption.

Pride led to Satan’s expulsion from heaven and often sits at the heart of marital breakdowns. Recognizing pride can be discerned through phrases such as “I need,” “I deserve,” or “I desire.” Given pride’s ability to dethrone an anointed cherub, it’s crucial for us to be vigilant in not harboring pride within ourselves.

Pride manifests itself when we think we are above obedience to God’s Word, we assume we can live independently from Him, or we become unsatisfied with His blessings. Satan took his position in heaven for granted and lost everything. The antidote to pride is humility.

Humility prioritizes not what I need and deserve but what God thinks and deserves. The difference between pride and humility becomes clear when facing challenging situations. Pride tends to resist and blame others, while humility seeks unity and values the opinions of others. Despite the difficulties arising when a relationship fractures, it is crucial to strive for humility.

Consider trying a more humble approach when faced with situations tempting a prideful response. This might involve pausing to view the situation objectively, demonstrating empathy and understanding, and considering the needs and feelings of all involved. This way, you might find solutions that work for everyone rather than just pushing for your way. Instead of rushing to get what you want, take the time to listen to the other person’s point of view and aim for a win-win solution. Listening and pursuing peace always leads to a much better outcome.

Promises When We Embrace Humility

•Promise of Acceptance. Psalm 51:17: “The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.”

•Promise of Healing. 2 Chronicles 7:14: “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”

•Promise of Support. Psalm 147:6: “The Lord supports the humble, but he brings the wicked down into the dust.”