“The Lord watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless….” (Psalm 146:9).
The plight of the widow back in biblical times was dire. Think of the poor widow of Zarephath who was ready to cook her last meal for herself and her son (I King 17: 8-16). Think of Naomi who had lost her husband and two sons and now lived with her daughter-in-law, Ruth. How both were destined to be beggars for their daily needs. In all these biblical cases, of which there are at least eight more I can think of, the all-seeing God reached down and miraculously cared for them. As a widow in America, I can still earn money at work, and my husband had diligently paid for our house before he passed. The hand of God, nonetheless, has surely been evident in these provisions, as well as in meeting the needs of my two children and grandson.
There is one biblical widow I can particularly relate to, and that is the prophetess, Anna. Luke 2:37 says, “She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.”
Granted, there are a few things that Anna and I don’t have in common. I’m not 84, I’m not a prophetess, and I like to eat and sleep, but I do love to be in God’s temple. It’s almost as if my widowhood has drawn me even closer to his sheltering fortress. There is a nearness and a communion with him that accompanies me wherever I go, but when I near the doors of our church, especially on a Sunday morning, my soul is home. I have frequently said in my heart, “This is the best place on earth!”
As the worship starts or the Word of God is opened, I am often overcome with emotion. I am overwhelmed with a sense of joy for my salvation, God’s sovereignty in leading me to this church, and the rich song lyrics that remind me of my Savior’s sacrifice and his love for me. As God’s Word is read, I’m aware that these are the most important words in the room. Even though I have been a Christian for most of my life and have read the Bible, I am still amazed at the application, the renewed hope, the conviction and forgiveness of sins, and the fruit that the preached Word has wrought through these years. The Bible is inexhaustible and gives life and breath to every area of my life. Here in this holy temple, God’s presence surrounds me as the people of God bask in the joy of their salvation and the privilege of being taught his Word.
I agree with Anna that the place to be is in the temple of the Living God, for here my heart and soul experience a glimpse of Heaven. But unlike Anna, God’s presence lives in me, not just in the temple. I can walk out of church and know that he will be watching, listening, guiding, loving, and providing for me till I am truly home.
