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One after another. Though it’s been more than seven years since my late husband Michael made his way to heaven, it seems the anniversaries and holidays can seem to pile up year after year. Even as time passes the most difficult day, outside of the day I lost him, continues to be our wedding anniversary, which is just a week away. It seems the only person this day has any real significance to is no longer here, and that can feel lonely.

These difficult days continue throughout the year. May is my son’s birthday and Mother’s Day. June is his birthday and Father’s Day and so on.

It is obvious Michael isn’t here, but those days – the anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays – are such in-your-face moments of his absence. But the Lord is never absent, and He is the One who can help us get up and show up, each day, after our life falls apart. He never promised a life without pain, but He did promise our sufferings on this earth would be worth it when we reach eternity with Him.

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Romans 8:18 (NIV)

Though we have hope, as Christians, and know we will see them again, we miss our husbands on this earth no matter how much time passes. The pain from their loss will always stand, but as each holiday, anniversary, and difficult day comes and goes, the Lord stands stronger. He comforts, strengthens, protects, heals, and guides us through this earthly life until we one day join Him and are reunited with our husbands.

The Lord Comforts.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

The Lord Strengthens.

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)

The Lord Protects.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

The Lord Guides.

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)

The Lord Heals.

“and provide for those who grieve in Zion–to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”
Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)