Relationship Shifts in Widowhood预览

“You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!”

Psalm 30:11-12 (ESV)

When we walk through a season of sorrow, it sometimes feels like we will never get our joy back again. In today’s scripture reading, “sackcloth” represents the outward appearance of mourning. Sometimes as widows, we can feel like we dampen every conversation, every interaction, with our heaviness. Like walking into a room with a dark cloud over our heads. Have you ever felt that way? But there is a season for mourning, and it’s ok to wear your emotions for that season. It is not a burden to your friends, even though you may feel that way. They love you. And they may not have all the answers, or know exactly what to say, but let them know that you just appreciate them being there for you.

Though the loss of your life partner is not something you ever get over, God promises that you will get through to the other side of the grief. Your life will be full again. He will replace your sackcloth with joy. He will turn your mourning into dancing.

This idea of God turning our mourning into dancing is a beautiful thought. It can be hard, after the loss of our life partner, to see our friends still dancing together to their everyday rhythms. But when we lose our partner on the dance floor of life, the music doesn’t stop. And being a widow doesn’t mean that we have to sit on the sidelines. Though the rhythm may be new, the Master Dancer invites us to slowly get back into the dance of life.

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus issues us this invitation: “Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace” (MSG). He first offers us an invitation to take a quiet spin around the floor with Him as He teaches us to find our footing. In time, He may ask us to try a solo dance expressing both pain and praise. Eventually, through the many beautiful and difficult lessons, our dance becomes a dynamic masterpiece of His choreography, bringing joy to all who watch and inviting others to join. Like David, you will experience the fullness of the music of life once again. You will get your rhythm back. God will turn your mourning into dancing. And in turn, you may even find yourself teaching others how to dance once again.

CHALLENGE:

This week, find a worship or praise song that ministers to you. When you feel like your rhythm is out of sync with those you used to spend time with, turn on a song and remind yourself that your dancing isn’t over. You will get your rhythm back. God promises He will turn your mourning into joy and your sorrow into dancing. Then text a friend and thank them for any support they have shown you during this time, no matter how minimal it may have been.

JOURNAL:

Write out any relationships that you have in your life that you didn’t have before your spouse passed away. Reflect upon how those relationships have brought positive changes to your life. Write a prayer of reflection to God about the changes in your life, the relationships you are struggling with, and the ones you are thankful for.