When I traveled to Israel a few years ago, I was privileged to walk through many ancient sites among the ruins of palaces, temples, stadiums, cities, and all sorts of structures. Some parts had crumbled, some sections were still standing, some were almost entirely intact. It was amazing to see!

The same is true of our lives as widows -the lives that we once knew are shattered- in ruins. Some parts have crumbled and lay in a heap. Other parts are partially intact. Still other aspects of our lives may be somewhat functional. We are left alone to rebuild our lives, to learn how to live without our husbands, and to find our way to search through the rubble for the pieces that are still usable and parts that can still be productive.

How can we restore our broken lives? We can’t on our own! We must turn to the Master Restorer! Psalm 71 says “In you, Lord, I have taken refuge (v1)….Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once more”(v20-21).

God alone can truly reestablish our lives, but we must turn to Him, depend on Him, and trust His plan for us. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing…I am making a way in the wilderness….” Isaiah 43:18-19.

The rebuilding of our lives and resolution of our issues may not meet our expectations and desires, but if we rely on the Lord, we can find peace and contentment in what lies ahead. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” Romans 15:13.

 Everyone has problems of some sort even beyond our grief. However, we must not allow our burdens to bury us in the rubble or to sit and wallow in our misery. Instead, we must emerge from the ruins, taking one step at a time if necessary!