Elisabeth Klein, my Redbud Writers Guild sister and the author of Unraveling: Hanging On to Faith Through the End of a Christian Marriage, recently released a new book called Holidays for the Hurting: 25 Devotions To Help You Heal. Her encouraging words for discouraged people–particularly those in difficult marriages–minister to many around the world.
I asked Elisabeth to share her thoughts with you today about healing from rejection. I pray you will find hope in the beautiful words below. (Jamie)
This is one of my least favorite words in the English language: rejection. It dredges up old wounds of abandonment and being the one left, the one not chosen, the one cast aside.
I wonder if Mary felt rejected when she heard these words being spoken by her grown Son:
Then His mother and brothers came to Him, and could not approach Him because of the crowd. And it was told Him by some, who said, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You.”
But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it” (Luke 8:19-21).
If you have gone through a break-up, or your husband is choosing an addiction or another woman over you, or you are separated or divorced, or you have been fired or passed over for a promotion, you know the sting of rejection.
Is this you today?
Has someone looked into your eyes and said, with their actions, I do not choose you?
I know, sweet one. I know. I am all too familiar with that pain.
My consolation is that I have a Savior who came to earth for me.
Who loves me.
Who says I’m precious and honored in his sight.
Who says I am enough.
Who sings songs of delight over me.
Which means…
Baby Jesus came to earth for you.
And he loves you.
And he says you are precious and honored in his sight.
And he says that you are enough.
And he sings songs of delight over you.
And he will not forsake us, he will never abandon us, he will not reject us.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Pray this short prayer with me:
God, I feel rejected. By this person that I trusted and loved. And maybe, if I’m really honest, by you for letting this happen. Please meet me in this feeling of abandonment and aloneness. I need to feel you and experience you, especially in the midst of the busyness and chaos of this season. Come near. Amen.
Elisabeth Klein is grateful new wife to Richard, and mom and now stepmom to five. She writes regularly at www.elisabethklein.com/blog and desires to help hurting women by bringing them hope. You may order your copy of Holidays for the Hurting: 25 Devotions to Help You Heal here.
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Rebecca Jones says
I never thought I would be sending out n e- mail to tell a friend her husband was under grace, but I did it. Sitting at the keyboard, I debated it, I sensed the Lord telling me to send it. They are still together, I also had a friend whose husband attempted suicide after his mother’s death, he was under tremendous stress and they had three children, he recovered after she gave him an ultimatum, and he didn’t like the mental ward. I’ve seen God move in impossible situations. He will also send you a better spouse, if there no hope, no one should live in an abusive situation.
Jamie Rohrbaugh says
Daddy God can definitely redeem anything. I agree no one should live in an abusive situation. I don’t want to see anybody become a statistic. 🙁