Putting On The Garment of Strength & Honor: How A Virtuous Woman Stewards Her Inner Life

Welcome back to another month of dedicated reflection on becoming a Proverbs 31 woman. Last month, we discussed the discipline and daily rhythm of a virtuous woman: how she takes care of her home and all those under her care. This month, I want to focus on how she takes care of herself. Because no one can pour from an empty vessel.

"She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple." Proverbs 31:22

• This verse speaks to caring for her physical vessel.

"Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come." Proverbs 31:25

• This verse speaks to caring for her emotional and spiritual health.

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30

• This verse reveals the Lord as the source of her strength and virtuous character.

The Proverbs 31 woman is a well-rounded woman. She does not neglect herself, including her physical appearance. But while we see her physical appearance praised in Proverbs 31:22, this verse is quickly followed by her true clothing--strength and honor.

Like any piece of clothing, we do not put on strength and honor once and exist in it forever. As the day progresses, our clothes become soiled with sweat, other fluids, germs, and the general filth we encounter by merely existing. When we feel dirty, what's the thing we long for the most? The feeling of being clean again, which usually involves removing the soiled clothes, cleansing our bodies, and putting on a fresh garment. Our minds and hearts become weary as the day passes just as our clothes become dirty.

Strength and honor are not only the qualities that clothe the virtuous woman when she is naked. They are the qualities she must put back on day after day.

That may sound like a contradiction, but when you understand nakedness is not the same as uncleanness, you may better understand the point. A virtuous woman is not defined by what she wears. She is defined by what she is. She is a woman of strength and honor. But scripture reveals that our strength is fragile and requires daily renewal from the Lord, just as our process of sanctification--the process of becoming holy and virtuous--is a life-long process.

"He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increases strength...they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength." Isaiah 40:29-31

"My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." Psalm 46:1

"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

"Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2

"...and bringing into captvity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5

A Proverbs 31 woman puts on the garment of strength and honor each day by seeking mental and emotional renewal from the Lord.

This is a process you're probably familiar with, but sometimes knowledge of process is not the same as understanding how to apply the process in your own life.

HOW TO PUT ON THE GARMENT OF STRENGTH AND HONOR

Begin your day with the Lord. Before scrolling, checking texts, responding to emails, or worrying about your to-do list, pray and read your Bible. Even if all you have time for is a single verse, there is renewing power in the Word of God, and the discipline of seeking Him daily.

Interrogate your thoughts rather than instantly believing them as truth. The Proverbs 31 woman is a wise woman. Part of being wise is knowing when to discern a lie. God's word reveals what is true as well as how the devil contradicts truth. Hope is the substance of our faith. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1 If the enemy's goal is to destroy our faith, then his strategy is to destroy our hope. When you're facing hopelessness--in any situation--take those thoughts captive and go to the Lord.

Allow yourself to rest before reaching collapse. The sabbath is a dedicated time of rest that the Lord gives us for weekly renewal of faith and strength. Keep the sabbath, which honors Him and yourself.

Recognize when you need help, whether human help or God help. Part of being wise is knowing our limits, as well as, the One who is limitless. This may look like seeking prayer support, help around the house, or even professional help. Some people think that Christians can't be depressed and should pray their way out of every mental health struggle. But the truth is, the Bible is riddled with examples of people who were not only depressed but suicidal. God stepped into the stories, helping to renew their strength. But it wasn't just God's presence that did this. In the instance of Elijah in 1 Kings 19, God sent an angel with food, water, and permission to sleep to the suicidal prophet. In today's world, sometimes those angels wear lab coats and the nourishment we need is a medication. There is no shame in seeking help for any illness.

Keep the Lord's commandments, which lead us to walk in honor. Seek the strength of the Holy Spirit to help you do so, because true honor is beyond human strength.

Other practical practices may include:

• journal your feelings and prayers to God

• find a form of healthy emotional expression and regulation: painting, exercise, writing, time with friends

• keep a list of scriptures on your phone that contradict the thoughts you are most tormented by

• have self-care routines that help you feel your best: massages, walks outside, reading, getting your hair or nails done, one extra long shower or bubble bath each week

• recognize the signs that you're struggling or on the verge of a breaking point and have a plan you can quickly enact to pull yourself off the brink of hopelessness: pray, call a friend. You do not have to do this alone.

How you steward your inner life directly impacts how you steward your external life. A Proverbs 31 woman relies on the Lord and her Christian support system to help her steward both with love, wisdom, strength, and honor.