A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families.
(Psalm 68:5-6a NIV)
After my horse Frank’s mother died, he was very lonely. They had spent ten years together and formed their own family unit. Now, she was gone and he was alone. He moped about for weeks and seemed to lose all interest in life. When let out of the corral onto our fenced acreage to graze, he was fearful and stayed close to the corral. We had three goats as well, plus a pack of dogs but he shunned their companionship. It was not until our property was threatened by a grizzly bear that things changed. The goats needed protection and Frank realized that only he and the dogs could provide it. At that moment he chose to join the canine pack and confront the grizzly, who, knowing when he was outnumbered fled into the forest. From that time forward Frank moved out of his grief and into a strong relationship with the goats and the dogs as his new family.
God cares when we grieve. He cares when we find we are alone in life due to any number of circumstances. He knows the hole that has been left in our heart when loved ones are lost and the depression which can so easily overtake us amidst such loss. He knows and he cares. He cares so much that he does something about it: He sets the lonely in families. This is a promise. Like Frank however, we need to be open to embracing the new family he sets before us.
Today are you grieving? Is your heart broken due to the loss of your family? If so, do not despair. Cling to God’s truth: God sets the lonely in families. “The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 NIV) “He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3 NIV). Healing is happening even now, though it may not feel like it. One day at a time the darkness will recede a little more. The light will begin to shine as you continue to trust and cling to him who loves you and will never leave nor forsake you.
When your heart is ready, a new family relationship that God is even now preparing for you will be coming your way. It will never take the place of that which you have lost, for nothing ever can. It may even be far different than you could ever imagine, but it will be good and right and lovely. It will meet the need of your heart and grant you the joy, companionship and love that God knows we each crave, long for and need. So, ask God now, to begin to prepare your heart to accept the good gift, that in his time, will be coming your way.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you heal the broken hearted and save the crushed in spirit. Thank you that you promise to set the lonely in families. Prepare the hearts of the grieving from the loss of family, to accept the good gift of new family relationship you will be bringing their way. In Christ’s name. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada