What's in your closet?

“She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future.”
Proverbs 31:25 (NLT)

Arise and shine, dear one! God is with you!

I opened my closet and peered at the contents. What am I going to wear? I was looking forward to a chaplaincy training event that I would be attending with my husband that evening, but I’d never been to anything like that before. Do I dress up? As a stay-at-home mom for years, my wardrobe beyond jeans and leggings was rather limited.

As my mind sifted through the options, the Holy Spirit reminded me of Proverbs 31:25 and a different clothing option. I want to be a woman known for being clothed with strength and dignity, filled with laughter without fear of the future. This verse speaks to a strength that can only come from God. It reminds me of my identity as a daughter of the King.

When I picture the woman described in Proverbs 31, I imagine a woman whose joy is contagious and whose confidence in the Lord speaks loudly when she walks into a room. She’s not gripped with fear over an unknown future. She’s grounded in her trust of her Father and anchored in the Truth of His Word. She’s not a grouchy old woman who knows a lot of Bible verses. She’s a woman filled with the Holy Spirit and her knowledge of the Word has gone deep into her heart.

Paul writes in Colossians 3:10 & 12, “Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

As I prepared to attend the event, I realized that my outward appearance isn’t what matters most. It’s clothing my inward heart that has far more value.

What are you clothing yourself with today, dear one? Choose to close your closet of fear and worry and instead open your heart to the beautiful garments God offers- strength and dignity, joy and kindness. May you be known for your mercy, humility, gentle spirit and patient attitude. When we are clothed in Christ, we are perfectly dressed for whatever He has planned.