Well it’s finally happened. In the book I’m reading about wisdom, the author gets to the godly woman mentioned in Proverbs 31. You know, the woman that most of us look to and wonder if it’s possible. The woman who seems to have her act together. The woman who seems to make everyone happy all of the time.

While I’ve struggled with this woman through the years, I believe I’ve come to a conclusion about her that I can live with. I believe the accomplishments of this woman that we see in Proverbs 31:10-31 are all the things she did through her life. It has taken her years of practice, years of trials, years of successes, years of tears, years of laughter, and years of depending upon God to become who she is.

Let me give you a couple of examples. I know for certain that there have been times when my children would not have called me blessed. But today, after all the years of raising them and through their maturity, I believe they would call me blessed. I know for certain that there have been times when my husband would not have had confidence in me. But because of what we’ve experienced together, today I believe he would. I know for certain that there have been times in my life that I would not have been able to hire girls to clean my house, but I’m in a position now that I could afford it if I wanted to do so.

So you see, I can look upon this accomplished woman in a new light. She has been my mentor. She has been a good teacher and I’ve tried to be a good student.

Let me tell you what the author of the book I’m reading says about the Proverbs 31 woman. She gleans three things from her: “renewed strength for my efforts; a fresh reminder of God’s priorities for my life; and a new dedication to His plan for my time here on earth.”[i]

I have learned a lot from this Proverbs woman through the years, but these three lessons should be at the top of my list.

Renewed Strength for My Efforts

There are times when I’m tired. I’ve mentioned time and again right here in this blog. When I rely on myself I can only do so much. But when I rely on God’s strength I can do remarkable things.

Psalm 28:7 (NIV) reminds me that “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.” I’ve learned from this precious woman that I need to use God’s strength more. I am not alone. God is with me and He offers His strength just when I need it most.

Fresh Reminder of God’s Priorities for My Life

This line stopped me in my tracks because I sometimes my priorities don’t line up with God’s. But I am to be reminded that His priorities must take precedence over my own.

However, I do like that this gentle woman of Proverbs 31 “gets up while it is still dark.” (Proverbs 31:15 – NIV) This verse goes on to say other things, but perhaps she gets up while it is still dark to spend time with God. Perhaps she’s made it priority to have her quiet time with God in the morning. Maybe I like to believe this because it’s what I do.

So what are God’s priorities for my life? Love God and love others. (Mark 12:29-31 – NIV) Now there are plenty of other commands God gives for me to follow, but these are His top two. So these are the two that I need to spend more time with.

New Dedication to His Plan for My Time Here on Earth

I believe that God has a plan for my life. He has shown His glory to me over and over. He has directed my path. He has corrected my actions. He has given me hope. He has provided.

However, there are times when I don’t like His plan. It’s in those moments when I must find a new dedication to accept His plan. You see, God has gone before me (Deuteronomy 31:3). God searches for me when I need strength (2 Chronicles 16:9). God wants me to succeed (Jeremiah 29:11-12). God wants me to give Him my burdens (Matthew 11:28-29). God will supply all my needs (Philippians 4:19). God has promised that nothing will separate me from His love (Romans 8:39).  God will provide peace (Isaiah 26:3). Through God I am a conqueror (Romans 8:37). God will direct my path (Proverbs 3:5-6). God will keep me from stumbling (Jude 1:24).

So you see God’s plan has a plan. We never have to feel that we are going through this life on our own. God has it covered.

I pray that you’ll look at the Proverbs 31 woman in a different light. Yes, she had it all together, but with God by my side, I can too!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna