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So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Is God Really With Me?

“Sometimes I feel like I am the only person in the world who treads through the dark and deep valleys of widowhood.”

On its face, this is an irrational statement. Of course I am not the only widow in the world! I know these misplaced feelings are not of God. But the enemy knows where I am vulnerable, and he tries hard to convince me that God is not truthful, does not care about me, and has forgotten about me. It is isolating and makes me feel alone. But thankfully, the Bible is rich with truth that counters irrational feelings and negative thoughts.

First, let’s look at the truthfulness of God.

The Way, the Truth, and the Life

When I have negative thoughts about God’s truthfulness, I think about this familiar story. In the Garden of Eden, the serpent said to Eve,

“… Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”
Genesis 3:1 (NIV)

That’s not what God said, but the crafty serpent wanted Eve to think that God was not telling her the truth. He wanted her to doubt that God had her best interests at heart, to doubt that she could trust God’s word as truth. The enemy wants us to think the same thing, Sisters.

The Lord has graciously placed me within three widow groups: A Widow’s Might, the Wisters (Widow Sisters) at a local church, and the Joy group at my church. These ladies help guide me spiritually. They model trust in the Lord and reliance upon His faithfulness. They remind me that Jesus said of Himself,

“I am the way and the truth and the life ….”
John 14:6 (NIV)

When these ladies share their experiences, I don’t feel isolated. Thanks to their fellowship, I am not alone as we walk the grief journey together.

God is most certainly truthful. Next, let’s look at how much God cares for us.

Cast Your Cares on Him

In the midst of grief, where the world is suddenly upside down and nothing makes sense, it is easy to think that God doesn’t care about us. Doesn’t He see what’s happening? Can’t He do something about it? Doesn’t He care? We are in good company:

And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and [the disciples] woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
Mark 4:37-38 (NASB1995)

Even the disciples, who spent almost every day with Jesus during His ministry on Earth, wondered whether He cared about them as the water filled the boat.

I am surrounded by encouraging widows and faithful friends who are anchors in my life. Their kind words and caring actions point me to this comforting truth:

Cast all your anxiety on [Jesus] because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

Of course, Jesus cares for us. Just as He calmed that storm for His disciples, He cares deeply for us and calms the storms in our lives.

God is truthful, and He cares for us. Next, let’s look at just how much we are on God’s mind and how much He loves us.

God Never Forgets Us

When the days dissolve into turmoil, and my prayers seem to bounce back like they’ve hit a concrete ceiling, sometimes I think, “Well, I guess God has forgotten about me.” It might feel like that sometimes, but the truth is, God NEVER forgets about us; He deeply loves us.

But those who have troubles will not be forgotten.
The hopes of the poor will never die.
Psalm 9:18 (NCV)

God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 (NIV)

God has placed wonderful ladies in my life who walk this grief journey with me, and they never fail to remind me of the solid truth that God never forgets me and loves me unconditionally.

His Word states unequivocally that He speaks truth, cares for us, never forgets us, and loves us with a deep and abiding love. And should we need one more reminder, John wrote,

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (NIV)

Sisters, we are never alone.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your faithful truth, Your compassionate care, Your constant presence, and Your everlasting love for us. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.