“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7, KJV).

My heart is broken. I have thought about how to handle this pain. I could go shopping and spend money that I don’t have, or I could work overtime to stay busy. Alcohol and sex are tempting. I am angry and want to cuss a few people out. I can picture myself slashing tires and blackening eyes.

I have tried all of my life to please the men in my life. I thought that if I was a good little girl my father would stay with my mother because of me. He didn’t. As a wife, I tried to be whatever my husband wanted me to be and to follow his lead. I was the perfect submissive wife. He didn’t stay either. I do not understand why my husband left my children and me, but I am learning not to lean to my own understanding. I have decided not to seek revenge, but to trust Jesus to bring me through this difficult time.

Scripture promises that God is waiting to direct those who trust Him. He is all wise and He loves us with an unchanging love. The requirements to receive God’s wisdom for difficult situations are to trust Him and turn away from evil.

If you, like me, have done all you know to please someone, and they broke your heart anyway, turn to Jesus. Put your trust in Jesus, the one you can trust completely. He will never leave you. Wait for Him to work it out. He may not fix it when you want Him to, but He is always on time. It is an ongoing lesson.

Prayer: Jesus, help me day-to-day to turn away from evil and refrain from being bitter. Help me keep my mind on you and listen to what you say. I trust you to give me total victory. Amen!

  • Since trusting God with her pain, God has elevated Ashley’s self-image and focus. She has become a confident mother, an entrepreneur (she opened a successful hair salon), a worship leader at church; and her smile radiates the peace of God.

  • If you were encouraged by this devotional, you will really be blessed by the other 89 devotionals offered in “Praise from the Pews.” It may be purchased on the home page of this web site and will be shipped to you speedily.

  • If you, like Ashley Taylor, have also learned that trusting God in hurtful situations brings victory, feel free to share with us. It will bless someone. Join the conversation.