Christian Writers Circle

Faithful Counsel
by Judy Hitson

Is. 25:2 NKJV O LORD, You are my God. I will exalt You; I will praise Your name; for You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

As I write this devotional, it is with sadness to share my husband of 60 years passed away two weeks ago today. Yet it is with joy I share, knowing he is absent from the body and present with the Lord, 2 Cor. 5:8.

Now looking to the Lord for His faithful counsel, I am assured His advice will guide me in this season of life. He is Wonderful Counselor, Is. 9:6. With thanksgiving and praise, I focus on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith, from Heb. 12:2. He will lead me in His ways until He comes. May I hear His voice and follow Him day by day, even moment by moment.

Some women who lost their husbands shared that initially there was a lot of paper work to do. It seems overwhelming right now with many phone calls to make and in person appointments to plan to clear business matters. For example, who needs the death certificates I received from the funeral home and how do I settle matters for spouse benefits? An immediate concern is my husband’s pension cut off and waiting for my portion to live on in daily life. One widow, whose husband worked with the VA, said it took three months until she received her spouse benefits. With that in mind, putting funds in the regular checking account is a necessity to pay bills and handle regular expenses. Jack outlived his life insurance but praise God that a portion of his career benefits will be available for me to carry on as a widow.

With the Lord as my first love, I know He will show me the way to go. My trust is in Him with all my heart. I refuse to lean on my own understanding and in all my ways I will acknowledge Him, knowing He will direct my path as He promises in Pr. 3:5-6.

My faith is in Jesus Christ, my Lord, my God, my life, my all.

With sadness and joy, I choose to follow the Lord. As He leads me with His faithful counsel, I can be at peace with Him.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, in Jesus’ name by Your Spirit giving me life to live Christ. Thank You that Jack is with You in heaven, Lord, and that You are with me on earth. Amen.