Beyond the Fairytale: Does God Still Love Me After Divorce?

“And they lived happily ever after” – the classic ending to so many fairytales. But what happens after the wedding? As little girls, we soaked up these stories, believing that marriage was the key to happiness. We believed that if we were pretty enough, our Prince Charming would come,  sweep us off our feet, and we'd ride off into an enchanted world where birds sang in harmony.

We spent more time imagining the perfect wedding dress and planning the big day than asking  the real questions: “Am I ready for this?” “Is this the person I want to spend my life with?” 

From a young age, we were out of sync with reality. While as little girls we dressed up like princesses, little boys played with action figures and raced toy cars. Little girls grew up believing in fairytales, but real life doesn’t play out like a Hallmark movie. It’s messy,  unpredictable, and doesn’t always resolve in 90 mins. 

Many of us entered relationships thinking we had found “the one,” only to discover that the script changed unexpectedly. What seemed like an adorable Hallmark film quickly turned into a thriller tale from Lifetime. And you are left wondering, “Where’s my happily ever after?” 

Growing up in church, I often heard, “God hates divorce.” While it’s true, this statement became a source of fear for me. I was terrified of entering a relationship. I didn’t want to end up on God’s “most hated” list. The idea of failing and disappointing God weighed heavily on me. 

Then, one day, my worst fear became a reality. Divorce, a word I had always feared, became a part of my own story. Self-doubt and shame consumed me. I asked myself, “Does God still  love me?”  

In my brokenness, I turned to scripture. Malachi 2:16 says, “For I hate divorce, says the Lord…” I had read this verse countless times before, but this time, it hit differently. I asked God to show me how this applied to my situation, and He revealed something profound: God hates divorce, but He does not hate me. Divorce was something I had to walk through, but it was not my identity. God’s love for me hadn’t changed. That realization sparked the beginning of my healing journey. 

Healing is found in God’s Word. As I immersed myself in the Bible, I began to discover just how deeply God loves me, despite my circumstances. Hebrews 4:12 describes God’s Word as  “alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword.” I began to understand that His Word wasn’t just for comfort, but for transformation. It’s through the Word of God that I found healing and peace. 

Scriptures like Genesis 29:31, where God remembered Leah and saw her pain, helped me realize that God notices our struggles, even when others don’t. Isaiah 54 became a source of comfort, where God promises restoration to those who feel abandoned. God isn’t distant or indifferent to our brokenness—He is deeply compassionate and willing to heal the wounds we carry.

Psalm 107:20 says, “He sent out His word and healed them; He rescued them from the grave.”  As I meditated on these verses, I felt the healing power of God’s Word begin to fill my heart.  

Healing didn’t come overnight, but I kept seeking God. Psalm 119:10 says, “With my whole  heart, I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments.” I allowed God’s words to minister to me. In the quiet moments, I felt His peace settle over me, replacing my fear with hope. 

Maybe you’re reading this and finding yourself in a similar place. Perhaps you’ve experienced heartbreak, disappointment, or a sense of failure in your relationships. Maybe you’ve wondered if God still has a plan for your life after your dreams have been shattered. 

There is healing beyond the fairytale. Life might not always go according to plan, and things don’t always turn out how we imagined, but God’s love for you is unchanging. His Word is alive, and it has the power to restore even the most broken parts of your heart. 

You are not defined by your past mistakes or your circumstances. God is in the business of restoration. When we turn to Him, He meets us in our pain, offering healing, comfort, and a new beginning. Your story is not over. 

Philippians 4:6 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer  and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." I implore you to trust in the Lord, seek His healing, and let Him lead you to a new chapter—one filled with  His peace, love, and restoration.