Psalm 34:18 (CEB)

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those whose spirits are crushed.

Reflection

It had been more than seven months since my first wife, Nancy, passed in February 2017. Some may say it seemed like a short time but to me those seven months felt more like 70 years. Losing Nancy and grieving her loss was the hardest thing I’d ever experienced.

I’d recently became part of a GriefShare group, which is faith-based. We’ve shared a lot of tears – some mine, some other members of the groups.

I don’t fear tears now. I wouldn’t say I welcome them, but that’s closer than saying I’m afraid of them. Part of me is gone. It’s like an important organ or appendage has been ripped from me. It’s true for everyone who loses a spouse.

The GriefShare devotional of Day 117 says, “The pain that comes from the loss of a spouse is much deeper than most people realize because in a marital relationship two people become one flesh.” That is the way God made us.

I think that’s what God wanted. Psalm 34:18 tells us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those whose spirits are crushed.”

I became painfully aware of the concept as Nancy faded away right in front of my eyes. Thinking of it makes my heart heavy, throat hurt and eyes moist. GriefShare describes it this way, “When part of your flesh is abruptly taken away, there is a ripping and a tearing that leaves a huge, open wound.”

Paul told husbands in Ephesians to love their wives as Christ loved the church and died for her. Paul told husbands to love their wives as their own bodies.

Regret is one of the things addressed in our bereavement sessions. I’ve dealt with it at different times and realize all I can do now is confess it to God, ask for His forgiveness—and receive it.

That might be the hardest part.

But I also realize that God is close to the brokenhearted; that he saves those whose spirits are crushed.

by Rick Reed

For Pondering & Prayer

Even in my grief God is good. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves us when we are crushed.

Prayer: Dear Lord, once more I am amazed. Not only do you allow us to be brokenhearted and crushed, but you also save us when we feel that way. You are so good. Amen.