My three-year-old wrapped his little arms around my neck. Sobbing, he told me “Mommy, I miss Daddy.” Daddy’s been gone a week after relapsing on alcohol. And I found out that he has been unfaithful. We don’t know where he is. But we do know where our heavenly Father is. Here’s how I hold onto Him in the middle of my storm.

Cry Out to God

I just let my son cry into my neck. I cried, too. This separation has been one of the most difficult times in my life. I miss my husband. I’m heartbroken for our son. This is not something I can control. And that scares me. In the middle of the pain and frustration, I cry out to God. I know my Father. I know He loves me. I don’t know why my situation is such. But I know He’s a good Father and I know He hears me.

Stay in His Word

Another way I make it through the storm is through Bible reading.

I know He hears me. 1 John 5:14-15 says, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us — whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”

Our Father will take care of my son. Psalms 68:4-5 says, “Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him — his name is the Lord. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” I encouraged my son that he has a Father who loves him incredibly and unconditionally. I do, too.

I know who is in control. Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

We are very valuable to Him. Luke 12:24 says, “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!”

Our tears are not in vain. Psalm 126:5 says “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.”

When my husband is unfaithful, God is faithful. Psalm 33:4 says, “For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.”

Rejoice Through the Pain

“Rejoice before him”: I listen to uplifting songs about praising God. There’s nothing that will take away heartache faster than a heart willing to praise God — in the middle of suffering and trouble. My favorite new song is “Praise Him” by Mary Mary. 

Here are some of the lyrics:

In the corners of mind

I just can’t seem to find a reason to believe

That I can break free

Cause you see I have been down for so long

Feel like the hope is gone

But as I lift my hands, I understand

That I should praise you through my circumstance

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance

I just wanna praise you

I just wanna praise you

You broke the chains now I can lift my hands

And I’m gonna praise you

I’m gonna praise you

I praise Him — even in the middle of my seemingly tragic circumstance. After all, He’s good because He is God — not because everything in my life is going well.

He is faithful and true to His word. I believe Him when He says He will be the father to the fatherless. I believe Him when He says He’s in control. I believe Him when He says I will reap with songs of joy. 

Take my shackles off, Lord, so I can dance. And no matter what happens, I will praise You.