Proverbs 31:17-18

Proverbs 31 could certainly be intimidating if we don’t remember that it is an ideal. As we’ve been looking at this virtuous woman we come to verse 17 where she girds her loins with strength and strengthens her arms for the day. Spiritually we should strengthen ourselves daily by starting our day in thanksgiving, prayer and reading the Word. By doing this we are giving Jesus the firstfruit of our day and allowing Him to have reign of our day. When I start my day with the Lord, He is always in the forefront of my mind, and in every thought and decision! I get excited when I know He is leading and directing my day! Even when things don’t go the way I hoped for, He always has a better plan for me and His grace is sufficient!

This virtuous woman considers the ways of her family before her own desires. She will stay up late to make sure the house is in order and everything is ready for morning before retiring. It’s not that she doesn’t get tired, it’s just that she is selfless. She relies on the Lord’s strength, esteeming others higher than herself.

We are blessed to read of this ideal woman, yet we know Jesus loves us just the way we are. Day by day we grow in His grace. I pray your heart’s desire is more of Him and less of me!