I Have a Secret!

In a world full of isolation, masks, delta variant, school shootings, and financial pressure, how does one face her tomorrow with joy? How do we move forward when everything keeps crashing down around us?

Well, I have a secret! It is helping me, and maybe it will encourage you too. Here is help for your soul.

There is a life-giving verse tucked in Proverbs describing a Godly woman. "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come." (Proverbs 31 : 25) The Proverbs 31 lady knows where to find her peace. She can move forward even in her uncertain and dark days.

Proverbs 31 :15 - 25 reads, "She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.

How can she laugh at the days to come? Here are a few things I am learning from this passage.

The Proverbs 31 lady reached out instead of shrinking in. She worked hard. She stayed busy. - Seriously! She had no time for lying around and feeling sorry for herself. She did not isolate, debate, or hesitate. Instead, she cared for the needs of her family. She provided for her household. She lovingly served others. She reached out instead of shrinking in.

The Proverbs 31 lady was prepared. She was not afraid of the future because she prepared for what the future might hold. She made wise investments. And she reinvested her profits. She prepared for the cold and stormy days. In these uncertain times, sweet friend, you can do the same. Prepare your finances, homes, and family for the future.

The Proverbs 31 lady wisely trusted in God not herself. My life verse is "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths" Proverbs 3:5-6. Only God knows the future and He loves you more than you can ever imagine. So trust Him. Be diligent but depend on your Savior. No matter how hard we work and/or prepare, know that ultimately God is the One who carries us.

Maybe, you, like me sometimes, feel overwhelmed and discouraged by the Proverb 31 Woman's perfection. Let me add that I believe this is the picture of a Spirit-filled woman. She is the goal, not the measuring stick. God's grace has covered us, and we are dearly loved even when we are pulling in and unprepared. This passage does, however, give you and me the next steps. So, no matter where you are in your journey, use Proverb 31 to take your next step into deeper trust and obedience. You will find the joy of surrender.

Trust Him, for when you do, you too will laugh at the days to come. It is my secret, and it can be yours too. :)