I am going to share with you the notations I journaled the other morning as I started a brand-new day. I had certain specific burdens on my heart. Knowing my weak flesh, yet desiring to serve God well, and to live out the gospel. In words, conduct, speaking, teaching, and more. Knowing I am far from perfect, and knowing I need Jesus to be my all in all, and be the Light in me and my home today. I was greatly encouraged, by bible study and commentaries.
I had taken this picture before I had even opened my Bible. These words on this sign, along with the candle I had just lit, drew me in to think of my joy in the God of my Salvation.
So as I began my study, I opened to Proverbs 31 and looked first at these words:
“She perceives that her merchandise is good, Her lamp does not go out by night…” Prov. 31:18
What does this mean for this Proverbs 31 woman?
First I considered the study of merchandise. I realize there is physical application here. Absolutely. But rather, only focus on her outward physical contributions, I looked to this in a Spiritual view.
Her merchandise. Her time she is given by God. She is using this time and trading it or offering it to others in exchange for promised riches of eternal value. That’s pretty special work.
She is investing with promised eternal payoffs.
Then I looked at the next part, “her lamp does not go out by night”.
What does this mean? We can look on the routine, outward duties, responsibilities, and think it means she is a woman who does not sleep. While we certainly have seasons especially with young babies, sick children, where we literally are up all night by the light caring for others, there is meaning, purpose, that is ultimately a Spiritual one.
“Her Candle goeth not out by night. Her lamp of profession – a servant of Christ, which is always kept burning, it is the glorious gospel of Christ, which always continues, even in the darkest of trials. This lamp-her spiritual prosperity will never be extinguished” -bible commentary
NEVER BE EXTINGUISHED! Praise be to JESUS!! Because I know at any given moment, my flesh raises its ugly presence, and executes impulsively, what I desire it not to do. I am reminded that EVEN her repentance, her diligently seeking of God in her desperation, always lights the fire within brighter, stronger, because JESUS her LIGHT, LIFE, STRENGTH, by the power of His Words, carries her on.
Proverbs 31 does indeed describe a very busy life for a woman of God. She labors physically, emotionally, mentally, prayerfully, scripture by scripture, teaching, speaking, doing, in the fear and honor of the Lord.
It is the light of the plan of Salvation that keeps her going.
It’s important to understand however, this is not an outward duty. She is a virtuous woman it says at the beginning of this chapter. Virtue starts within, flows out, and by Christ in her, gives ability to work with a heart of righteousness for the greater good of others.
She must remember her worth. There will be many tactics of the enemy, to condemn, ridicule, cause doubt, and degrade her blessed calling. Causing, if not extinguished quickly with truth-depression, doubt, fear, anxiety, etc.. She must recognize these tactics, and remember her worth! God in heaven paid a high price, through the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, to purchase her Salvation. She is indeed serving the King of Kings. Her LORD! He is so beautiful to her. He is her very life, sustenance, and she knows this, and clings to Him for the reassurance, comfort, and blessing through all her days.
As Proverbs 31:25 “Strength and Dignity” are her clothing. She is clothed in a robe of righteousness by Her King.
She knows each new day she has challenges before her, but “she looks to the future and rejoices” (Prov. 31:25)as she does not live in a pattern of fear or worry, but confidence in her God.
She knows she is called to speak kindly and with wisdom, and this becomes much more difficult when winds of trial blow upon her, cause the flame inside to be tossed here and there, but it never is blown out, she is only given new zeal, fire, passion as she leans more deeply upon her Lord. (Prov. 31:25)
“The Lord is her Light and her Salvation. She shall not fear” (Ps. 27:1)
Her soul cries out to the Light of her life, Jesus Christ.
She is confident in Him. He is Faithful to supply all she needs. She chooses to speak this out, in faith, by an inward confidence and contented trust in Him and His promises.
She is “confident in this very thing that He Who has begun a good work will be faithful to complete it”. (Phil. 1:6)
She has her vision before her…
“Be Thou my vision oh Lord of my heart. Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise, Thou my inheritance now and always, Thou and Thou only first in my heart, High King of heaven my treasure Thou art”
Later this day, I went to work. I was in awe of how many times God opened up beautiful opportunity to shed His Light on various situations that struck me smack dab in the middle of “doing” life. I was able to break out the Word of God, and lead my children with the pages of scriptures in various capacities and ways. “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” Ps. 119:105.
Not all desire to grab onto the Word and let it soak within the heart, and bring transformation. There is opposition, that I experience as I present the gospel and offer it to others, and that is just very painful.
But!!!! I am thankful, grateful, truly blessed for all these years, to “train up my children” under the commandments of God, and at 16 and 18, my children’s hearts are tender to the ways of God, as they desire me, their father, and the Lord Himself and His instructions, to keep drawing them into His ways.
The Lord encouraged me this day, as the important light I am to this place. I definitely repent, when my flesh wars. I definitely am determined to seek Jesus all the days of my life, and never allow the enemy to extinguish this flame. Jesus my protector – my armor, my faith. He fights for me.
I have the armor of God. I will use it. And JESUS MY FAITH – my SHIELD OF FAITH – He will extinguish all the fiery darts of the evil one.
This light, it will never cease to glow.
In fact, I will stand in the truth of who I am in Christ my LORD!
“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” Prov. 4:8
So whatever we face today. Fear the Lord. Depart from evil. Pursue righteousness.
A woman of God is filled by His Spirit. Saved by His love. She lifts up her heart to the tender care of her God. By His amazing love, she is strengthened with all might to continue the fight.
Be blessed today.
