On our Woman to Woman Wednesdays we’ve been studying the example God has set before us of the woman of Proverbs 31. I imagine you’ve been challenged, and maybe even a little convicted as I have. I pray we’ve been encouraged as well.
Today we wrap up this study. Proverbs 31:30-31 in The Voice translation:
Charm can be deceptive and physical beauty will not last, but a woman who reveres the Eternal should be praised above all others.
Celebrate all she has achieved. Let all her accomplishments publicly praise her.
(I appreciate how The Voice translation’s name for God is the Eternal. He was, and is, and always will be.)
I’m particularly drawn to: A woman who reveres the Eternal should be praised above all others.
What does it mean to revere God? To exalt, honor, respect, adore, worship Him.
Friend, how well do you and I do this?
As sad as it is, I’ve been known to be concerned more about physical beauty and outward attention than revering Him.
- Instead of making sure I’m having a good hair day, I should be making sure I’m having a good God day (from spending time with Him).
- Instead of being concerned about my makeup, I should be more concerned about the fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control).
- Instead of putting a priority on how my body looks, I should be making a bigger priority how my heart looks to God.
- Instead of looking for personal praise, I should be looking for ways to praise Him.
I cannot see where the Proverbs 31 woman ever draws attention to herself. Nothing is mentioned of her beauty, her physical characteristics, or her outward appearance. It seems as if those things are of little importance.
So, why do I make them a big deal?
What I do see is how she lives her life to honor God. In all she does. As wife, as mother, as business woman, as woman in her community, as giver to the poor. She trusts God for today and tomorrow. She is obedient and respectful to the One Whom has given her life and Whom has blessed her.
What if you and I intentionally lived this way?
- Seeking and honoring God in every area of our lives.
- Trusting God for today and tomorrow.
- Obeying, respecting, and thanking God in everything.
When we do, verse 31 will be a reality in our lives. We will experience and celebrate achievements and accomplishments of eternal significance. Imagine the celebration in eternity!
I pray you are encouraged today! Thank you for journeying with me these weeks as we’ve studied Proverbs 31 together!
God bless you!
Julie
(Next week’s Woman to Woman Wednesday may look a little different as I’ll be posting from RAGBRAI, a week-long bicycle ride across Iowa. Stay tuned!)
Linking up with Three Word Wednesday and Coffee For Your Heart.
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Julie- This is so convicting and encouraging. I read this three times: “, I’ve been known to be concerned more about physical beauty and outward attention than revering Him.” We get it all backwards, so often. Loved this post. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Karen! I think I’m the queen of getting it backwards! So glad God gives us grace. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!
It is so easy to care what people think of me, rather than God. I suppose it is because I see their reaction to me, but have to listen for His.
Love this post!
Sarah, I agree. It is so easy to have our focus on the things that really don’t matter. Only His opinion matters. Thank you for stopping by. Thank you for blessing me with your words!
Julie, this is convicting but also a needed reminder for me. I spend far too much time worrying about my outward appearance . . . to the point of destructive behaviors that don’t bring honor to God. I want to seek to honor Him in everything I do. I really needed this. Thank you. Good luck with your bike ride. I will be praying for you. {Hugs}
Hi Beth! I think I needed this post the most. I can see through your writing that your heart desires to honor God in everything. That’s so evident, even though we’ve never met in person. Keep doing what you’re doing… making a difference for Him. I appreciate your prayers for our ride. I’ll be posting updates! Hugs to you too!
Such a great reminder, Julie, to focus on our hearts and not our outward appearance. Blessings to you.