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For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name;
and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer,
the God of the whole earth he is called.
Isaiah 54:5 ESV

Have you found yourself drawn to verses using the word “widow”? This verse in Isaiah caught my attention because I wondered, how can God be my “husband”?

I thought first of the negatives of widowhood. These were so easy to come up with:

• Friendships that fizzle because you have different interests and responsibilities.
• Family that doesn’t know what to say since it makes them uncomfortable to be around you
• Considering whether to take off your wedding rings.
• Removing your “Mr and Mrs” status from checks and bills.
• Repairmen who take advantage of you.
• Couples who don’t know how to include you anymore.
• Acquaintances who make heartless comments.

To name just a few…

Do you find it easy to dwell on the negatives like I do? I can wallow in them like a pig in mud! But, just like a pig in mud, I don’t get anywhere by doing it. One way we at A Widow’s Might ministry have found to help is by our weekly focus on gratitude. It is one way I began to stop wallowing and look for the ray of SONshine in my life. (Check out our Facebook post every Friday evening).

In my early grief, I had to wait for the fog to clear before I could begin this practice. But if you have found yourself several years into your grief and still only remembering the negatives, take a break and be grateful today for something.

But what about the “husband” part?

One commentary I read stated that any Christian woman may claim a wife’s protection from the Lord. We have the security of our Heavenly Father as our Other Half now. We have a perfect covering from a perfect Husband.

As a human widow, who still struggles with not having flesh and bones to do the things a husband once did, how do I really apply this verse to my current situation? God doesn’t take out the trash, or change a flat tire, or watch the little kids when we need a break.

So what DOES God do for us as a husband?

If God is our husband, our children and grandchildren need to see the relationship we have with Him as “numbero uno”. Let them see you having a quiet time or praying alone, not as a show-off moment but as modeling the importance of your relationship.

One widow takes a time-out to talk to God when she is in a discipline dilemma. The kids know she is going to talk to “Dad”!

Making church worship a priority is important. I took tissues for months because I often shed tears. And that’s okay. Expect it.

I know one gal who announces as she returns home from work each day, “Honey, I’m home!” as she speaks to God like a husband. She understands God is with her all day and not just sitting at home waiting for her, but it is her way to acknowledge God’s promise to be her husband.

Another idea is pretty elementary, but to remember to PRAY about repairs, car estimates, doctor diagnoses, and daily frustrations.

God, I bring this broken water heater to You as my Husband. Guide me in calling the right people who won’t take advantage of me. Provide the funds needed to pay for the possible repair. Amen

Have you experienced God as your “husband”? Please share how you have seen God work in this way in your life!

Father God, You are covering each of us with Your protection. You are our Maker and our Husband. We look forward to a day when the negatives will be replaced by gratitude. Lead us to wise counsel and bring people who will be Your hands-and-feet in our daily lives. Amen