The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18 New International Version (NIV)
Don't you love that verse? It's been one of my favorites ever since I found it after Bruce died. God truly is close to us in times of mourning. And when we are crushed and can't go on, the Holy Spirit comes alongside to express our pain to the Father when we don't have the words. (Romans 8).
It's a mystery how God does this, and a miracle that we hang on. But He helps us make it through the next moment, the next minute, the next hour, night or day. Through many ups and downs, slowly, slowly we take our steps. But one day we will look back and see that He was with us. Copy the verse as a little gift to yourself and carry it in your pocket today to remind yourself He is near.
God's Word has the power to purge bitterness from our hearts. It's not magic---poof!---and it's gone. But rather it's a growth process and God's Word is the spiritual food that makes us healthy. We eat food every day, right? Likewise we read and meditate on God's Word every day to make us spiritually healthy. Find a time of day that works for you to develop this habit, and then follow a reading plan. It doesn't have to be complicated or lengthy, just do it. I've set up a one-year plan of Bible-reading for widows which I post every month (watch for it this weekend), but there are many other online sources that will send daily readings straight to your email. They are a great convenience and help. If you are also interested in grief support an excellent place to start is with the emails from GriefShare. Click here for their webpage.
Consider attending a local grief group too, perhaps one dealing specifically with grieving through the holidays. Tom and I will be leading one in November at the church we attend, GriefShare has many "Surviving The Holidays" workshops that will happen all over the country, or check with your local churches and hospice groups to see what they offer.
These steps will help take the bite out of bitterness. Bitterness is miserable but the Lord can deliver you from it. Take that first step today and begin a daily Bible reading habit.
Good advice, no matter where we are in life! It has been almost 7 years since becoming a widow. I certainly can attest that I have learned more about my Heavenly Father in these 7 years than in all the previous ones combined! Thank you, Ferree!
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan, I'm reminded of a line from an old church song that says, "It will be worth it all when we see Jesus..." and I think the more we learn of Him the more we agree with that song. Truly, an amazing future is ahead!
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