Have I told you yet how excited I am that our first challenge for 2022 is dealing with anxiety? I am SO excited, for I truly believe anxiety among women is on the rise!

Today’s culture conveys to women that we must be focused on achievements, higher pay, and external beauty according to the world’s fashions, and youthful appearances that comes from plastic surgery, etc.

But a woman of faith loves God with all her heart, soul, and strength (Mt 22:37). She is filled with the Holy Spirit and lives in freedom because of her faith in Christ Jesus.

Because of her faith she walks with strength and dignity in peace and is able to experience overwhelming joy not anxiety.

Because of her faith she is also fearless about the future, for she is ready to face anything with God, and merely “laughing at the days to come.”

So, let’s break down Proverbs 31:15 so that this freedom that is available to all His daughters is found in us.

 “She is clothed…”

We only need to go into any large department store these days to see how much value women place on clothing, but 1 Peter 3:3 says, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornments, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.” Rather, the godly woman will be clothed with her Christ-like character.

More of our attention should be set on the conditions of our heart as opposed to our outside shell that is fading away.

 “She is clothed with strength and dignity;”
These two traits fit nicely together, for you won’t find strength of character without the dignity, and you won’t find dignity in a person who is weak.

Unfortunately, the culture today seems to be defining a “strong woman” as one who is sassy, disrespectful, insolent and truly un-dignified. Our culture seems to call anger- strength and it’s hurting especially the younger generations in my opinion.

But God’s word is clear, meek has never been a synonym for weak and true strength of character comes from strength in The Spirit (Lk 1:80) that comes from our faith in Christ Jesus.

 “She can laugh without fear at the days to come.”
_She can laugh because she has lived so wisely and is prepared for whatever may come.

_She can laugh for she knows her God is faithful to His promises.

_She can laugh at the aging that is inevitable because she knows her true beauty is her gentle and quiet spirit within her.  

_She can laugh for she is not running after the things the world is after, but carefully looks to trusting and leaning on her Savior, and encouraging others to do the same.

Blessings,

sue