A Woman Who Knows the Lord
by: Shelly at Is That You, Lord?
Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain (because it is not lasting), but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!
Proverbs 31:30 Amplified
Bombarded by social media sites, blog rankings and the local P.T.A., women (and men) today face the temptation of becoming people pleasers and sometimes fall into the trap of performing for popularity or acceptance. Even in the church things can get a little mixed up.
Before you report me to the Pastor, let me explain.
It is socially polite to say “yes.”
And, really, it feels good to say “yes” because people like to be told “yes.”
Am I right…Yes?For many years I struggled with the addiction of people-pleasing. I was consumed with doing everything right, making everyone happy and keeping my super-woman cape pressed and pretty. Even in ministry, I scrambled to please those above me in leadership, no matter the cost.
Unfortunately, all of these perfectly wonderful anticipated results of happiness are illusions. They are unattainable, energy-stealing, relationship-robbing fantasies. I cannot always do everything right. I cannot always make everyone happy, and there is no super-powered cape.
Trying to be the Proverbs 31 woman can be a daunting task if we do not understand who she is. It can leave one feeling worn out, depleted and unaccomplished. If we are more concerned with pleasing people than fearing, honoring and pleasing God, we will soon find ourselves in a dry and lonely place.
A Proverbs 31 woman is not one who says yes to everything and everyone, but one who yields to God. No matter how good a thing may be, if it is not God’s best it can steer us away from His purposes and decrease our effectiveness in the assignment He has written for us.
A woman who fears the Lord is one whose life is surrendered to God’s will. She does not give in to the pressure to perform. She does not put others expectations or her own ideas of success above God’s plan for her life. Because she knows Him, she trusts and believes that His plans are good.
A woman who “reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord” is one who knows the Lord. He longs for us to draw near and promises when we do, He will draw near to us. He yearns for intimacy with the one He loves…you…me.
A woman who fears the Lord chooses to silence the sounds of distracting voices that attempt to divide her heart. She quiets her soul and listens. She is about her Father’s business, even when it means saying no to someone else so that she can say yes to Him.Who is this woman to be praised? She is the woman who fears the Lord and desires to please Him, no matter the cost. She is the woman who knows the Lord and trusts that His plans are best.
What are your thoughts?
Wife to Shawn, mother of three, writer/blogger, life-time learner, recovering people pleaser and mental perfectionist, follower of Jesus, lover of dark chocolate.
Anita Harris says
Great post Shelly. It met me where I’ve been for a few months. I have decided that I MUST say no to a few people and find the balance that is essential to my spiritual health. The Proverbs 31 woman is often hiding behind the big YES sign we often carry around. I too am a recovering people pleaser, I’m planning to make a formal announcement soon. 🙂 Thanks for ministering to me through this post. Blessings! Anita
Shelly says
Thanks, Kim and Stacy…even as I read this I find myself needing it once more. I love how God continues to speak to us and give us diirection over and over and over again. His grace is overwhelming.
Stacy @ Heartprints of God says
Oh, Shelly….this spoke straight to my heart..”A woman who fears the Lord chooses to silence the sounds of distracting voices that attempt to divide her heart.” There is so much truth in that one statement. I am writing that down and placing it on my bathroom mirror and probably several other places as well. 🙂 So, so good. Thank you, my friend. Leaving your words blessed as always~
~Stacy
The Real Me! says
Beautifully said. I used to be a people pleaser too. Now I just try to be a God pleaser and everything else usually falls into place.
Have a lovely day.
Kim