Blending A Family 40 day DevotionalSample

A Widowed Heart

After fourteen years of marriage, Mary’s husband, Walter, died suddenly. She and her children became a single parent family for three years.  Mary met Steven and after a time they were married.  One year later, Steven confided in a friend saying, “Mary must still be in love with Walter because she constantly talks about her life with him. I feel unloved by Mary. “

A widow or widower who remarries may experience a struggle letting go of their love for their deceased spouse. The widowed person may feel a part of both past and present marriages. When this happens, the new marriage is strained. Mary’s actions displayed that her heart was still grieving. In other situations, a widowed heart could sense guilt over feelings of love for their deceased spouse, so they keep their feelings within. The new spouse likely senses the divided heart of their spouse. 

A person grieving loss may want the companionship the remarriage offers, but they may struggle to give of themselves to their new spouse or step children. 

Suggestions for the Widowed Spouse:

If you are a widowed spouse, for some reason, your spouse’s life was cut short and they finished their life’s race early. Yet, God’s wonderful grace has brought another spouse to continue running the same race with you. In effect, your new spouse has taken the “baton” from your former spouse in loving and caring for you and your children. Allow your new spouse to fulfill the race you asked them to run with you. 

Attend grief counseling to help heal so your new marriage can thrive.

Edify your new spouse more than your former spouse. 

Never compare your new spouse to your deceased spouse. Respect the individuality of your new spouse. 

Suggestions for the New Spouse of a Widowed Person 

While your new spouse is grieving, do not expect love they are unable to give. Continue to serve them, be compassionate, and understanding. They will heal. 

This same scenario applies to children who lost a parent and are now in a Blended Family. Extend a serving heart toward a grieving child. Help them find grief recovery resources. 

Our Prayer for You

Lord bring healing to the loss in their hearts. Give each spouse Your compassion to serve their family. In Jesus Name!

 

Copyright 2019 Moe and Paige Becnel @ Blending A Family Ministry