What is a maiden of worth? In the Bible, we read about what makes a woman virtuous and beautiful in the eyes of the Lord. These things are different from what the world would see as desirable in a woman–physical appearance, self-reliance, or interest in all things romantic or feminine. Instead, the things that make a maiden (or woman) of worth in the Lord’s eyes are as follows:
“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair, the wearing of gold, or the putting on of clothing—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” (1 Peter 3:3-4)
and
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)
To be a maiden of worth is our calling, sisters. It is one of the ways we are to be unconformed from the ways of the world. We must have a spirit that is quiet and gentle, trusting in our great God and walking in the fear of the Lord. These things are perhaps the hardest things we could be asked to do. Our very nature is to be either very independent or very timid.
We like to be comfortable, doing things ourselves, our way.
It’s so easy to put on a skirt, say “Yes ma’am” and “No, sir” and take notes during the sermon at church and poof! we’re role model Christian girls. No one would ever know, just from looking at us, if we were disrespectful to our father on a regular basis, or if we were inwardly riddled with worries, gossip, and all the little things we have to do. But we know that it’s not the outward appearance that God is concerned about. He’s the examiner of hearts, and He knows if we are pursuing that quiet and gentle spirit every day in our hearts. If the heart is not right, all the outward appearance of righteousness and loveliness is just a mockery.
According to Carolyn Mahaney, biblical femininity is based upon a “steadfast trust in a steadfast God.” So how are you seeking to be unconformed and trusting God in every little detail of your life? With that deadline for the paper that’s due next week and is worth 25% of your grade? With the crisis for finding something to make for dinner tonight? With the conflict you just had about tidying up after yourself? With the need for more long-sleeved shirts for this winter?
Let’s do the hard thing, ladies, and give Him our every little need, hope, want, trial, conflict. This can be quite a struggle for me, especially. I want to be in control of things, to have everything neat and tidy and going well. This year has been a roller coaster of little things that I’m called to trust my Lord for.
Recently, I had to submit a request for which person in our debate club (RADIX–Region 9) I wanted for a partner. I truly had no idea who I wanted. All the folks in my class are wonderful, and I could work well with any of them. So I had to let the coaches know that whoever they wanted to give me would be fine. I’ve been given a great partner, but he lives an hour and a half away from me. But the Lord orchestrated our schedules so that we are both at the same place on Wednesday nights for an hour with nothing to do…except debate! Isn’t He kind to provide the time and place for us to meet like that?
Another thing I’m having to trust the Lord in is with college. I feel called to go to college, but financially it’d be nearly impossible. We were waiting on my SAT scores to see if they’d be good enough to earn some scholarships before I applied anywhere. When I got my scores back…He’d given me a fantastic score that’ll probably earn some sort of scholarship, and now I can apply to a school I’d hoped to go to, but wasn’t sure if I’d be able to get in. Now it’s fairly certain that I’d be okay there. God is so kind! That score was wholly His doing!
So, let’s
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.”
~Proverbs 3:5-6
For He will make straight your paths if you honor Him and trust!
