Jul 14
Today’s Truth
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future (Proverbs 31:25, NASB).
Friend to Friend
“Dad, I’m scared!”
I knew that voice. I didn’t need binoculars to confirm it. My oldest son needed help, and I wanted to save him. But all I could do was watch.
Moments before, as we traveled our well-worn path of animal observation at the local zoo, we had stumbled upon something new. We discovered a ropes course, and a sea of hands raised as our kids volunteered to go first.
While my husband escorted four eager kids down the path to the ropes course, I took the younger ones for a bathroom break. A few minutes later, we wove down the tree-lined path and stepped into a clearing, where I found my four oldest children dangling four stories above the ground.
I’m not sure what I expected when I heard the words ropes course, but this wasn’t it. Yes, they were decked out in helmets and safety gear. Yes, they were strapped into harnesses that kept them from plummeting to the ground. But my mama’s heart was still quite uncomfortable with my kids playing near the clouds.
As I pretended to be okay, I knelt next to my children still safely on the ground and coached them to wave at those dots up in the sky. “Yes,” I assured them, “those dots are your brothers and sister.”
It was then that I heard the heart-piercing cry of my son Jonah: “Dad, I’m scared!”
He had gotten away from the others, but before long he’d realized just how far below his feet the safe ground was. Fear had seized him, and there he stood, gripping a rope in each hand. Frozen in fear.
In today’s truth, we meet a woman whom the Bible says, “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future” (Proverbs 31:25, NASB). I think we each long to be described like this, but I doubt we’d choose these words to define ourselves. Instead, we wonder, how can she possibly smile without fear of the future? When threats swirl around us, is it realistic to think this is possible?
I believe it is. More than that, I believe God wants all His daughters to live clothed with strength and dignity and smile without fear of the future.
On the ropes course that day my son made a few brave choices that I think we can learn from. First, he cried out to his father for help. Second, he listened for his daddy’s voice.
“Jonah, I see you and I’m right here with you,” his dad said. “The first thing you need to do is let go of the rope with your right hand and grab the one in front of you.”
And Jonah did.
“Great job, son. You’re doing great. Now take your right foot and move it onto the step in front of you.”
And Jonah did.
“All right, good, Jonah. You’re doing good. Now you’re going to have to let go with your left hand and reach out for the rope ahead. I know it’s scary, Jonah. But you can do it.”
And Jonah did.
His dad continued to give gentle, patient, step-by-step instructions, and one step at a time, a father guided his son to safety.
To smile without fear of the future, we have to know God’s voice and trust His choices. We have to cry out to God when we’re scared and follow wherever He leads. To do that, we have to know, beyond any doubt, the sound of our heavenly Father’s voice.
Do you know your Father’s voice? When I’m not sure or need to know God’s voice more personally, I read His Word. The more time I spend with God, the more familiar His voice becomes, and the braver my heart grows.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, You sent Your Son Jesus to be the sacrifice for my sins so I might have access to an intimate, personal relationship with You. I want to know Your voice and follow You with childlike faith. Today, as I draw near to You, help me recognize Your voice.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Now It’s Your Turn
Where do you typically turn when you are afraid?
What is one thing you can do today to make more time to read God’s Word and get more familiar with His voice?
More from the Girlfriends
Katy’s new Bible study, She Smiles without Fear: Proverbs 31 for Every Woman, walks you through a step-by-step process to help you look forward to the future with joy. Order your copy today and trade your fear of the future for purpose in the present.
© 2021 by Katy McCown. All rights reserved.
Thank you. I needed this. As I am trying to leave an emotionally and verbally abusive marriage this gives rise to the pieces in me that have been hidden for years.
I’m stopping to pray for you right now, Andrea, and so thankful God used this to minister to your heart.
Oh boy. I wish I could smile about the future. Things are chaotic in my life (as they are in many lives) and the future is another unknown entity, and I’ll admit, it scares me.
I need to call out to the Father, more than I do, regarding the future.
This is a beautiful devotional to remind us to turn to God in all matters.
Pamela, thank you for sharing what I think so many of us feel. I love your heart to turn to your Father more and more.
Thank you! This helped me with something I’m going through. God bless!
Hi Jessica, it’s great to hear from you. It makes my heart so happy to know God encouraged you today!
“Isaiah 41:10
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Thank you for sharing this powerful verse, Bernadette!
Thank you for this post this am!
My first default (unfortunately) is fear; I go there probably, out to habit.
I want to be more of that Proverbs 31 Woman. I had a beloved aunt who lived her life from that chapter!
I appreciated your words referring to hearing God’s voice from sitting with His word. I need more of that, too.
Hi Carol! I understand the idea of fear being a default, and I’m so glad you found encouragement in meeting God in His Word!
I have this verse on my wall in my office as a constant reminder.
I have it on my wall too, Susan! I love that!
This was beautiful to read, I had just sat down to read this after a long talk with my newly adult child (19). Every question I asked her was answered with “I don’t know”, I see her struggling and despite my efforts to help, she is still struggling. Since aging out of youth group she seems to have lost her sense of direction and motivation, I know she’s scared of what’s to come, life seems daunting and overwhelming for her. I sent her this devotional and I am praying that she is reminded of who she is and she will once again feel God’s amazing love for her.
Amen Denise, I’m stopping to pray for you and your daughter right now and I’m so thankful God provided this encouragement for you both.
I needed this as I fear for my drug addicted son’s life. Thank you for reminding me that God is our Father and still in control!
I am so sorry to hear about your son, Joy. I’m praying for you and for him right now.