Dealing with Divorce: Emotionally, Practically, and Spiritually

Divorce presents many different challenges. There are emotions to process and there are many practical things that need attention. The finalization of paperwork is not the true end of it all. You will still have to take care of yourself and others. If you are co-parents, there is still a need to communicate with your former spouse.

Let’s talk about some healthy ways to navigate a divorce situation.

Dealing with divorce emotionally

This season is going to be a roller coaster of emotions. It is important to identify the emotions, from frustration and anger to grief and exhaustion. Recognize when you are feeling overwhelmed by emotions. Sometimes you can plan times to just let the emotions flow, and other times you will need to keep the emotions at bay as you work through difficult decisions.

Some ideas for expressing your emotions:

• Call or text a friend.
• Meet regularly with a counselor.
• Journal your thoughts and feelings.
• Plan breaks and fun things.

Dealing with divorce practically

Dealing with a divorce means making a lot of decisions. You may need to work on a parenting plan and this can involve some compromise. If you can have conversations together then do so, however, written communication is often a better way to work on different decisions. Emailing back and forth can give you the mental and emotional space to get your desires and ideas delivered clearly.

When you are splitting up households there will need to be conversations about vehicles, furniture, tools, and other assets. Again, have these conversations in writing to minimize the chances of a conflict. Email is your friend.

Create new routines for yourself, and plan things to which you can look forward. You also need to give yourself the grace to change your plans. Making plans while you are excited, and then following through when you are emotionally overwhelmed you should allow yourself the grace of saying no.

Taking care of yourself is the best thing you can do for everyone.

• Eat healthy meals.
• Drink lots of water.
• Go outside and take a walk.
• Have a consistent sleep routine.

Dealing with divorce spiritually

Your spiritual health is a key component to dealing with your divorce. Establishing a regular prayer and meditation practice will be grounding for you.

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. – Romans 5:5, NIV

Though you may be feeling unloved and lonely, you have not been abandoned by God. Learning to rely on God for courage in this season will be a source of peace and joy, even if you don’t understand it.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? – Romans 8:35, NIV

What the Bible says

The separation of divorce is deeply distressing, but no circumstance can separate you from God’s love. Be encouraged by the constancy of Christ’s love for you. Meditating on Scripture can be a great comfort in this season. Here are a few passages that might encourage you.

• Psalm 16
• Isaiah 55
• John 15
• Romans 8
• 1John 4

Talking with a counselor provides an objective perspective in this process. From emotional to practical to spiritual, the counselors at Lake Forest Christian Counseling will seek to support you as you deal with your divorce.