She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she
laughs without fear of the future.
-Proverbs 31:25-
I was browsing Pinterest, and this verse popped up a couple of times. I decided to study it a bit and I my soul needed to hear it. So this is a reminder for my own soul. Maybe it can be a reminder for yours, too.
The virtuous woman was clothed with strength and dignity...
Not a pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps kind of strength, but an I-am-in-desperate-need-of-dependence-on-the-Lord kind of strength.Oh, how many times I try to do things in my own strength. If only I'd realize the rest that comes in depending on Jesus every moment of every day. Not only is Jesus willing to help, He wants to help with each step of the day, no matter how small or seemingly unimportant I think it may be
She was someone who was 'worthy of honor or respect'. She didn't set herself up on a pedestal and command respect. No, she simply lived her life in such a way that others respected her. It was based on how she treated other people, not based on what she demanded of them. I must ask myself what I am truly seeking. Am I seeking to serve others and treat them as Jesus would, or am I just wanting the applause of man? God, purify my heart to be used of you and not me using your name for my own gain!
...and she laughs without fear of the future.
She could laugh and not worry. She was a planner, yes, but more than that, she knew God was the one to ultimately take care of her needs and the needs of her family. She didn't fear because she trusted in the One who casts out all fear. I love planning. It makes me giddy. I am that nerdy. But all my planning is rubbish if it takes the place of trusting in my Jesus and depending on Him.
Big changes are coming. Glorious changes. God-ordained changes. Can I laugh without fear of the future? Can I truly relax and enjoy this journey on which God is taking me? And not because I am trusting in my own planning, because no amount of planning will perfectly prepare me for what's ahead. But can I enjoy this beautiful journey depending on the One who has made me? The One who has plans for me? The One who's PERFECT love casts out ALL fear? The One who already knows the end from the beginning?
Oh, Soul, laugh without fear of the future.
