Breakups can be tough. Confusion, mental turmoil, and emotion may tempt us to feel robbed of our God-given dominion and poise. Disruptive events may topple our mental balance for a while. But no one needs to feel cut off from God, good. 

Frequently the prophets, spiritual leaders, and kings in the Bible refer to God as “the Rock,” implying a sense of God’s permanent goodness, unshifting loyalty, constant love, and devoted care of His children. Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, defines rock as “spiritual foundation; Truth…” (p. 593). 

So how can we stand on “the Rock,” God, divine Truth, and feel God’s unwavering love for us?

Some years ago, a boyfriend unexpectedly broke up with me as I was preparing to lead a church inspirational meeting. Devastated and depressed, I considered dropping out of the planning. Deep inside I knew I needed to continue.

God is our Rock. He will restore our joy. 

As I studied the Bible and Mrs. Eddy’s writings during this trying period, I found a statement that refreshed and encouraged me: “And how is man, seen through the lens of Spirit, enlarged, and how counterpoised his origin from dust, and how he presses to his original, never severed from Spirit!… The divine law gives to man health and life everlasting—gives a soul to Soul, a present harmony wherein the good man’s heart takes hold on heaven, and whose feet can never be moved. These are His green pastures beside still waters, where faith mounts upward, expatiates, strengthens, and exults” (Mary Baker Eddy, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 129).

As I thought about these truths more deeply, the sense of abandonment and sorrow I’d been feeling dissipated. Realizing that I was “never severed from Spirit,” never apart from divine Love, brought comfort and peace. The joy of knowing that God knew me and delighted in me every moment, that He would love me forever, broke through the dark clouds like rays of brilliant sunshine. I felt loved, blessed, and cherished! I persisted in my prayers. 

As the days passed, a warm sense of spiritual love and affection filled my heart. At work, I was productive and cheerful again.

I learned that no jarring circumstance can halt our spiritual progress or keep us from fulfilling our legitimate obligations. Thought aligned with Truth and Love cannot be overwhelmed or shaken, because God, our Rock, cannot be overwhelmed or shaken. Persistent prayer reveals our inherent spiritual poise, “sparkle,” and joy.

During this ordeal, a sincere desire to serve God and to fulfill my obligations with love and intelligence surfaced, strengthening me daily. My persistent affirmation of the presence of God, divine Love, and Love’s eternal embrace, deepened gradually into an awareness of divine Love loving me always, no matter the apparent circumstances. 

Over a period of several weeks, my thinking shifted to higher, firmer ground. I felt that mentally I was standing on the Rock, grounded in an active awareness of divine Love’s allness and goodness and loving care for me and everyone. The lie of separation from God lifted. A sense of hurt and loss vanished. I felt renewed and buoyant. 

The evening arrived for the church inspirational meeting. As I finished preparations, I affirmed that the grace of God was present and reflected by me, expressed in focus, clarity, inspiration, and love.

The meeting went well, and a few people approached me afterward asking if I spoke in public for a living, complimenting me on my confidence. I gave thanks in my heart to God for restoring my peace of mind.

Should despair confront us, we can lift our thought above it by turning to God, our Rock. He will restore our joy. As we pray, we find that we are forever standing firmly on the rock-solid foundation of God’s omnipotent love and omnipresent goodness. 

We are forever loved, forever cherished, forever dear to God. That never changes.