Have you ever stopped to ask yourself what you are really looking for in life? Is it love? Or security? Or companionship? Or all three of these?

Only you can answer this, of course—but apparently your desire for these things is so strong that it clouds your judgment, and you end up giving yourself to the first person who looks like he might be able to meet these needs. But is that wise? No, it isn’t (as you have discovered through painful experience). The Bible bluntly says, “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice” (Proverbs 12:15).

Don’t let your past defeat you, however, or make you think you’ll never be able to find happiness. Instead, turn to God and find your joy in Him. Others may mistreat you or abandon you—but God never will, for He loves you and wants you to be part of His family forever. Jesus’ words are for you: “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:24).

Begin life again by turning to Christ and asking Him to come into your life. He wants to forgive your past, and He wants to give you hope for the future. Then ask Him to lead you to a church where Christ is preached, and where you can meet others who understand what you’ve been through and can encourage you.