Loneliness in WidowhoodSample

Being a widow brings on a set of challenges that most don’t understand unless they have walked through this journey. The children’s author Dr. Seuss once wrote, “All alone! Whether you like it or not, alone is something you’ll be quite a lot!” Leave it to Dr. Seuss to tell it to us straight. From the time we are born, we will all have moments where we are both alone and lonely, though they don’t always go hand in hand. We can be alone and not lonely, but we can also be lonely and not alone. Quiet nights at home without our spouse can bring up the same lonely feeling as being the fifth wheel at a dinner party surrounded by couples.

Just as your life has been filled with many ups and downs, David’s life was as well. In Psalm 25:16-17, David cries out to God, saying "Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distress." David had gone from someone who was being praised and loved to someone who was despised and loathed.

David's honesty about his struggle with loneliness shows us that no one is beyond that feeling. We all experience it at different times. But here, we see David turn towards God in his moment of distress rather than away from God. David knew where to look for comfort and strength when his heart felt lonely. Take time today to remember that just as He delivered David, He will deliver you. It may not look like how you imagine it and it may not be in your timeframe, but He will come through. God is seldom early, and He is never late. He is always faithful!

Take a moment today to remember God’s promises for you. Write them down and say them out loud. Keep this list and come back to it when you need these reminders.