A Cord of Three Strands

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

As a violinist, I am often asked to play for weddings, and have participated in many beautiful ceremonies over the years. A couple of years ago, I was invited to play for a wedding for a couple from my home church. Instead of the traditional "unity candle", the bride and groom had chosen to braid a cord of three strands, based on this particular passage of scripture from Ecclesiastes.

Solomon was writing a book about vanities, and when he got to chapter four, he was actually talking a bit about miserable old men who were basically hermits! And his advice to these hermits was to get out of your shells, and find yourselves a friend or a mate... and enjoy life.

Solomon was saying that we need one another to spur us onto love and good works... And that when we allow ourselves to be the kind of people that God wants us to be, it is hard for anything to separate us. There forms a triad of sorts between husband, wife and God... The closer we grow to God, the closer the triangle becomes and three actually become one.

But what happens when the mate dies????  I would submit to you that when God is in the midst of those types of marriages, those who are left behind find their Maker to be their husband... and as He has promised, a Father to their children as well.

Dear young widow, you are loved by your Heavenly Father... and it is He who:

• Sustains you
• Protects you
• Provides for you
• Enjoys your company
• Wants to talk with you through His Word
• Goes with you
• Goes before you
• Gives you strength to face your battles
• Gives you encouragement for your days
• Lightens your burdens
• Knows you better than you know yourself
• Knows you better than anyone else knows you
• Created you for His own pleasure!
• Gave His life for you, simply because He loves you and wants to spend eternity with you.

So often, I hear from young widows who are lonely for companionship within a couple of years of the passing of their spouse. Many of them find themselves hurt and broken-hearted after rebounded relationships went sour. Sometimes this happens because they feel guilty for dating too soon after the death of their spouse, or they compare the new friend to their former spouse. 

I think the key to finding the right time or the right person after loss really is all about letting God choose for you. Allow Him to decide when it's time, and let Him bring that person to you. In the meantime, enjoy being loved and spoiled by your Heavenly Daddy, who loves you so!!!