Finishing up a long day’s work, I pressed the touch screen on my computer one last time and saw a date that was very familiar. After a moment, I realized: Today is my dad’s birthday. Quickly my thoughts went to my mom. Widowed 20 years ago, my mother is a living testimony of God’s provision and strength for those who come face to face with life’s hard unpredictability.
Lonely days, difficult decisions, redefined relationships. The human mind can only begin to predict what the death of a spouse means to the one who remains. The reality is altogether different and all too real. As our society becomes more transitory, many widows and widowers must learn to navigate this drastic change in life without family members nearby. But regardless of the busyness of our lives, the Bible reveals that the care of the widow rests first with her family and then with the church (1 Timothy 5:3-16).
Carrying the responsibility to care for the vulnerable (Exodus 22:22-23) can lead to blessing as we fulfill God’s call to protect (Job 24:21-24). Proverbs 15:25 tells us, “The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he protects the property of widows.” Ruth’s commitment to Naomi became a source of God’s blessing for both women (Ruth 1:16), one that extended into subsequent generations (Ruth 4:13-20).
Likewise, Naomi’s story proves that providing justice for widows extends beyond business or financial transactions (Ruth 4:9-10). Support groups and monthly activities are helpful in creating community for the widowed, but “God places the lonely in families” (Psalm 68:6) to remind them that they’re still needed and—most of all—loved. Loved by Him and by those who live out His love.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Mark 7:1-37
More:
Read Luke 2:36-38 and consider how God used Anna’s widowhood in the Messianic revelation of Jesus.
Next:
Take inventory of the widows and other lonely people you know. What are some practical ways you can build relationships with them? How does God view the lonely? How should we?
Tom Felten on July 20, 2015 at 10:48 am
Regina, so thankful for these inspiring thoughts that reflect the heart of God. As I go this afternoon to visit my own mother at a senior care facility, I pray that she’ll be blessed to know that she is loved and cared for!
Regina Franklin on July 20, 2015 at 11:43 am
Blessings to you, Tom, as you spend time with her. May the Lord make the remaining days you have with her rich and full of grace.
joycemb on July 20, 2015 at 10:57 am
Yes thank you for this. As a lonely elder who lives among other lonely elders we do what we can to brighten each other’s day. That said though as a Christian I have a responsibility to share my faith and when I do sometimes with just a word or two I am lifted and I see others looking upward instead of inward so much.
Regina Franklin on July 20, 2015 at 11:46 am
Dear joycemb–I love your perspective. You do not allow your own experiences with loneliness to become the center of your thoughts. Instead, you use what you understand well in order to reach out to those around you. May the Lord surround you with joy today!
Ruth O'reilly-smith on July 20, 2015 at 2:20 pm
Regina, I love this post – it makes me think of my aunt May – I need to go visit her. I think we work alongside, walk or sit next to many lonely people every day – much of our culture is a lonely one, with many people only ever engaging and interacting online and via social media. There’s something truly heavenly in reaching out and connecting with someone, looking them in the eye, smiling, touching their arm, giving them a hug – or, sitting close and listening. That simple act can encourage a lonely person and keep them going for a long long time.