Seasons are a gift from God. In the same way, the seasons of life are also a gift from God. Each one brings with it a visual reminder that even though change is not always welcomed, there is beauty to be found in each new chapter when we look for it.
The seasons of grief are no different:
- Winter: Barren, hidden, lonely, yet God is at work.
- Spring: New life will come and God will restore our souls.
- Summer: Testing is good and necessary to bring forth a harvest. There is fruit in the land of suffering.
- Fall: is a beautiful reminder that color will come back into your life again.
“Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19).
The transition years from wife to widow are just that, a transition. Life as you knew it has changed and I am sure you can identify with the winter season of loss. The familiar challenge from Psalm 1 is helpful during this time:
“How blessed is the man who does not…”
“Walk in the counsel of the wicked” (Psalm 1:1). Did you know that Satan fills our minds with wicked counsel throughout the day? We must be careful to discern his lies especially when he whispers that it will always be this dark. No, it won’t! May God cover you during this emotional winter and remind you that He is with you.
“Stand in the path of sinners” (Psalm 1:1). Ladies, we must be careful with the attempt to fill the void with a variety of options that will not ultimately satisfy the deep need and longing that only Jesus is able to fill. All the fillers will become an enemy to your healing, rather than your friend in grief. Also, keep in mind that the rules for purity and holiness do not change just because you are a widow.
“Sit in the seat of scoffers” (Psalm 1:1). Satan whispers his lies to us when we are hurting. He doesn’t play fair. The enemy wants to mock and mark our circumstances and even God when we are suffering. We must be careful of taking a seat at this table because a negative perspective will surely lead to a root of bitterness.
Then, right there after verse one, an important transition occurs, one we must heed:
“His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2).
This is how fruit comes in the land of suffering. If we avoid “walking, standing, and sitting” with the enemy of our souls, we will “sit, stand, and walk” victoriously through and beyond the valley of the shadow of death.
“He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water” (Psalm 1:3).
Sit with the Lord in your season of solitude and suffering. Make sure you are spiritually healthy as this will impact you physically and emotionally. Deep roots can grow in wilderness seasons.
“Which yields its fruit in its season ” (Psalm 1:3).
Stand on the promises of the Word of God. Hold on to each promise as an anchor for your soul during the storm. “For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay” (Habakkuk 2:3).
“and its leaf does not wither” (Psalm 1:3).
Walk with the Lord and you will testify of His faithfulness in the valley. The light will shine again and color will return in your life. God has great plans for you!
“And in whatever he does, he prospers” (Psalm 1:3).
“You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:5-6).
