A

Widow's Journal

A New Path, A New Purpose

by Kat Timonen


Journaling Psalm 119: Part 1

Last updated

I have a favorite bracelet I love to wear. It goes with everything! Yes, set into the .925 silver are faceted rectangles of yellow topaz, blue topaz, amethyst, sapphire, peridot, and garnet. It reminds me of reading the longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119. All 176 verses refer in one way or another to God’s word and the truth it carries. Broken down into 22 sets of 8 verses, this Psalm is one long acrostic, each section beginning with a word of Hebrew, alphabetically.

God’s word became a lifeline for me as a widow. In the shock and sting of loss, I found no other comfort and peace as soothing as the promises of God. As days and months pass, I realize how much I depend on the wisdom and reassurance of His word! His strength, faithfulness, and unchangeable sovereign ways give me hope like nothing else. That He is truth, righteousness, and being forever trustworthy has held me on the rails when all else seemed impossible.

And so, I’ve been responding with how a Widow Looks at Psalm 119. Like the multi-stone bracelet, I wear it with everything. His words are for every day, every situation, every place He calls us to walk. Yes, even us widows. Come along with me on this acrostic adventure as I have journaled how each section relates to the widow-walk !

Aleph—v 1-8
I’m blessed when I walk in a way that pleases the Lord.

I’m blessed when I keep His ways and seek Him wholeheartedly.

Not doing what displeases Him—selfish, stubborn, trying to be in control, but walking daily with Him, yielded as He leads me.

Your command, Lord: Be diligent about keeping My principles.

Lord, I pray my steps may be firm, shoes laced and ready for the terrain ahead of me.

Then, I don’t have to bear the embarrassment of wasted time if I’m keeping my focus on Your words.

Seeking Him with my whole grieving heart, I can praise Him for all the guidance He provides the widow as Champion and Defender, never leaving nor forsaking.