What to do When Your Marriage Feels Wrecked

This wife is weary. She has been through an unexpected storm, and her ship has wrecked.

She is exhausted from trying to keep her head above water. Debris is all around her. She is desperate to find something that will help her float peacefully in the never-ending waters. However, everything she manages to grab hold of is not strong enough to save her. How much longer can she flail around in this place?

Maybe you’re a wife like me.

My situation happens to be an unexpected illness that has landed me in the role of caregiver as well as a wife for my husband. Your situation might be in a marriage that seemingly has no hope. It might be that you feel unappreciated with high expectations continually being thrown at you.

Our circumstances may be different, but our feelings are the same. Weary. Wrecked. Exhausted. Overwhelmed. Frantic. Do these words describe you?

Are you a wife like me?

I get you, friend. I understand your desperation. Being weary is not a fun emotion. But I know a Father who says, “Come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Although shipwrecked was not in our plans, God provides a promise in His word that “we can make our steps, but He determines our path.” (Proverbs 16:9)  This shipwreck does not surprise the Father.

Another promise we can cling tightly to is, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)  When our hearts are feeling overwhelmed, and we aren’t sure what we need to get us through the debris, let’s run to Him for refuge, strength, and help.

In our frantic, desperate state God says, “shhhh my child.  Come here.” He reaches out His wing of protection and holds us close. He doesn’t erase the things that has caused us to reach this wild state, but He provides a place of safety a place of refuge, a place to take a deep breath.

You too, sweet wife, can experience that same place of refuge and protection. Your circumstances are probably not going to disappear, but you can know a place of safety and shelter under His wing.

We don’t have to be the wife that is trying to find a piece of debris that will help her survive. We don’t have to grab hold of addictions, food, a friend, etc.  

Whatever you’re trying to hold on to, just let it go and let the God of all comfort meet you and do what He does best.  God saves you, protects you, helps you, gives you rest, and the list can continue.  Snuggle up under His wing. Claim His promises today.

Wife Step: Spend some time reading Psalm 91 and allow God to speak to your heart today.  Choose a promise from His word that you need to remember in this season of life.  Write it down and post it in several places. (On your mirror, on your refrigerator, on your car stereo, etc.).  Saturate your life with this promise and claim it out loud regularly.

Karen lives in Madison, Alabama with her husband and three children. Karen has served as Preschool and Children’s Pastor and has been involved in women’s ministry for many years leading small groups, making hospital visits, organizing retreats, and encouraging the hearts of women. Karen now blogs at Glimpses of Faith and Struggles.  What started out as a way to communicate medical facts has become a place where Karen uses life experiences to encourage others in their life journey.  When she’s not busy caring for her family or writing, you might find her cooking or crafting.