Often like a thief in the night, death invades our lives. Even for those who are warned of impending death, when that day actually comes, it’s easy to feel robbed, invaded, and exposed. New locks are installed on our homes, updated passwords on our computers, and alarm systems to protect us from any further loss. We are often left afraid and need to know that we are protected.
The good news for the widow is that Almighty God protects us. He proclaims Himself to be a defender of the widow and promises to establish our boundaries.
“…a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling” (Psalm 68:5 NIV).
“…The LORD will tear down the house of the proud, but He will establish the boundary of the widow” (Proverbs 15:25, NASB).
We live in evil times but so did the people in ancient days. In fact, that was the background for the scripture promises above. God knows that women who have been left alone are vulnerable. They were back in the day, and this is still true today. We no longer have our man of the house making sure we are safe at all costs. No longer do we have access to our husbands for wisdom and counsel when making decisions. No longer do we have someone who will track us down if we do not return home when we said we would.
Life as a widow is not for the faint of heart and can be scary for even the strongest most capable gal.
The promise of Proverbs 15:25 was given as a comparison to those who walk in pride. God would tear down the house of the wicked, self-righteous, and overconfident, but He would keep watch and defend the helpless widow. And not only the widow but her fatherless children as well.
“Do not move the ancient boundary or go into the fields of the fatherless, for their Redeemer is strong; He will plead their case against you” (Proverbs 23:10-11, NASB).
He does not promise that widows will not endure additional suffering or lonely days, just as He doesn’t promise the absence of trials for the believer. We will all have days of trial. The Widows in the Word encountered circumstances beyond what they felt they could endure (famine, child loss, and debt), even after the death of their husbands. Yet, in every single situation, God cared for the widow and used her story for His glory. This news is not meant to be daunting, but to encourage you to fear God rather than man.
He is on your side even when you feel that He is not.
Our greatest goal is to put our trust in God, our Defender and the one who will establish our boundaries. A perspective shift must take place in our minds and hearts as we turn the focus away from our physical husbands to God as our Husband. Ladies, we must be intentional about this new direction. It will bring you life after death. God gives strength to the weak, He hears our cries, and desires to care for us. We may not always see or feel His protection, but He is there guarding us in all our paths.
5 Scripture Reminders that God is Protecting Us:
“Leave your fatherless children, I will preserve them alive; and let your widows trust in Me” (Jeremiah 49:11, NKJV).
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, NASB).
“But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you [setting you on a firm foundation] and will protect and guard you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3, AMPC).
“…His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart” (Psalm 91:4, NIV).
“…For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:11, NIV).
Will you put your trust in Him?
