Think on These Things Thursday

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Proverbs 31:10-31

I think this will be my next passage to memorize. I memorized parts of it in the past, but it would be good to memorize the passage as a whole and let it saturate my thoughts and heart. Traditionally, Jewish women recited this passage on the night before the Sabbath, really a good idea. It is so easy for us to get busy and forget to have these traits in our lives. It is also easy to forget that we should continue to grow in our Christian walk and not feel like we've "arrived", because we have not, no one has except Jesus!

Often when we read Proverbs 31, we have one of two feelings. Either we hate the virtuous woman for being so perfect or we feel like God set the bar so high, there is no way we could ever come close to her accomplishments. It is true that on our own, we can’t achieve what she did, but with God's help we can do ANYTHING.

Some things we can do to start/stay on the right path:

1. Remember that we have a God that is powerful enough to change our lives, and He is just a prayer away. He commands us to ask Him for help, so why don't we???


2. Realize the virtuous woman did not become virtuous overnight, but became so as she grew in the Lord and put Him first in her life. We need to make sure we are always growing!


3. Remember not to be discouraged if you are working on an area in your life and stumble. Instead, we need to stop, pray, seek God’s guidance and strength and learn from our mistakes.


4. Remember--God does not expect us to do it alone (Philippians 4:13-- I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.)


5. Enlist the help of a friend/family member to be accountable to and who can encourage you/pray with you. (Philippians 4:6)


6. Memorize and meditate on verses that address that area of your life or that encourage you.