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If God is for us, who can be against us?
(Romans 8:31 NIV)

He was so special – that man I loved. It seemed that in his eyes I could do nothing wrong. Even when the broccoli was “overdone”, he sprinkled it with some salt, added some butter and convinced the girls that this was a “special” recipe. And when the biscuits were a little too brown on the bottom he patiently took a sharp knife and shaved off the offending parts.

At times when I said, “I don’t think I can do that,” he said “Yes, you can. You’re my wife.”

He was ever-present, with a strong shoulder to lean upon and fortifying words of encouragement. Even in the care center in the last weeks of his life, when a staff member was less than pleasant with me, he quickly took her to task. He was always on my side.

He was in my corner

And, having that assurance, I was able to move confidently through the days of motherhood at 42, rebellious teenagers, my job with special needs students, adjusting to winters in the Midwest, and so much more.

As I wandered through those early months of widowhood, the emptiness of that corner was so very painful. Making decisions was daunting. Learning something new was unthinkable. I longed to hear an “atta girl” – you’re doing good”. Yes, my children and friends were present with their encouragement and love – but it wasn’t the same. Nothing could replace the words I heard from him.

Then I came upon Romans 8:31 in the Message Bible: “With God on our side, how can we lose?” Making it more personal I rephrase it, “Linda, with God on your side, how can you lose?”

God is on my side! (And yours too!)

“He defends the cause of the widow”
Deuteronomy 10:18 NIV

“The Lord sets the widow’s boundary stones in place”
Proverbs 15:25 NIV

“I will contend with those who contend with you”
Isaiah 49:25 NIV

God has always been on my side; ever-present with a strong shoulder, sending messages of encouragement throughout the scriptures, defending me against all the “enemies” of loneliness and uncertainty.

God is in my corner.

Now, as I quietly move into the fourth year of widowhood, I will remember what He promised in Jeremiah 29:13, “When you come looking for Me, you will find Me.” (I’ll be in your corner)

Dear Father – learning to live without the encouragement of our husbands is so very difficult for us. I ask You, please, to gently lead us into a place of understanding how much You love us. Teach us how to listen for Your voice in the quiet, encouraging us and letting us know You are always on our side and in our corner. Amen