Week 7 - New Relationships

The loneliness that comes with divorce will put you at risk when making decisions about new relationships. This session helps you determine whether you are ready for a new relationship and how to get it off on the right foot if you are.

Week 7: New Relationships

The loss of a mate through separation and divorce creates many gaps in your life. It’s hard to adjust to the loss of companionship, love and security that are a key part of marriage. This week, you’ll look at some ways to meet these needs and to fill the gaps in your life.

Day 1 — I need someone to love me

One of the strongest needs anyone has is the need to feel loved. After divorce, it’s natural to feel rejected instead of loved.

Read Psalm 52:8. How permanent is God’s love?

What is the effect of His love?

Read Romans 5:8. How much does God love you?

Read Romans 8:38–39. Will God ever divorce you?

Read Isaiah 54:5–6. Can God fill the void left by your mate?

Day 2 — I need someone to hold me

It’s tempting to quickly replace the physical intimacy of marriage with a new relationship. There are many risks in doing so. Is there any other way to meet this need?

Read Isaiah 41:13. What will God do for you?

How can you hold God’s hand?

Read Deuteronomy 11:22. This verse suggests you “hold fast” to the Lord.What else does it suggest?

When you feel the need to be held, whom do you turn to?

If you don’t feel you are holding on to the Lord right now, take a look at the Foundation for Healing section on how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. That’s the first step in entering the security of God’s loving arms.

Day 3 — I need someone to protect me

There can be real security in a marriage relationship for both the husband and wife. When the marriage ends, both people can feel vulnerable and unprotected. Today you’ll look at the kind of protection that can never be taken from you.

What fears or insecurities do you have?

Read Psalm 121:7. What does God promise?

Read Psalm 12:5. Do you need to worry about not being strong enough to take care of yourself? Why not?

Read Psalm 91:9–10. What do you need to do to receive God’s protection?

Day 4 — I need someone to meet my needs

What needs do you have?

Read 2 Corinthians 9:8. What does God promise?

Read John 6:35. God promises not only to provide for your physical needs, but also your emotional and spiritual needs. What do you have to do to receive this provision?

Day 5 — I need someone to comfort me

A mate can be a great comfort during difficult times. When your mate is gone, where do you turn to find that kind of comfort?

Read Isaiah 66:13. What kind of comfort does a mother give a child?

How could that kind of comfort help you right now?

Read Psalm 119:76. Will God run out of love or comfort?

Read 2 Corinthians 1:3–5. What is the source of your comfort? (verse 3)

What is your responsibility once you have received God’s comfort? (verse 4)