She is like a ruby.

Proverbs 31:10

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?

She is more precious than rubies.  

A couple of years ago, I wrote a poem called "Special People" for my sister, who was struggling at the thought of her upcoming search for a Christlike husband.

Special People

I have always been told I am special,
Made to be cherished and all.
Then I see the boys around me,
And I watch them stumble and fall.

Is there any guy who is special,
Who is saving himself for "the one"?
Sometimes my search can be tiring,
Even though it has only begun.

When I become tired of waiting,
I'll remember who I've chosen to be.
I'm waiting for a purpose and reason,
For the guy who is waiting for me.

I wish I could see what God sees.
Maybe one day I will fall in love.
But for now, here I am waiting,
So I'll make His love be enough.

When it seems like I'm the only one
Who is saving myself in this world,
I'm reminded that I am special, and
Special guys want special girls.

October 3, 2010

In the same way, godly men must search in order to find a Christlike, virtuous woman, just as we do to find men who are truly striving to follow the Lord.  Although there are many sweet and godly young ladies I meet each day, there are also so many who are desperately searching for fulfillment in all the wrong places.

The search for someone with a heart for God can be difficult and frustrating at times.  Proverbs 31:10 says, "Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?"  She is rare.  She is something to be sought out and valued when she is found.

When I find the man I someday will marry (someone who meets the standards I hold for my future husband, someone who is actively pursuing Christ with all his heart, someone who respects and loves me despite my flaws), I will be overwhelmed with joy and awe at how the Lord is working in his life.  He will be so special to me.  And I will be special to him.

Don't you love how the value of a virtuous woman is emphasized here?  She is more precious than rubies.  A ruby is beautiful.  It's rare and striking; it stands out from other stones.  It is delicate and lovely, but it's durable.  It doesn't break easily.  A ruby is truly precious.

A virtuous woman is more precious than rubies.  

As you seek God's heart, the man you marry will cherish you more than priceless jewels.  The more you strive to follow the Lord, the more precious you will be to your husband.  You will be more of a treasure to him than a chest of rubies and priceless gems.  

One of the most beautiful things about a young lady is her self-confidence, when she knows her value in Christ.  Remember your worth.  Deuteronomy 14:2 says that the Lord has chosen you to be His special treasure.  You are treasured by God.

Today's challenge is to not put yourself down once.  Not once.  Remind yourself that you are precious to God.  Each time you intend to say something negative about yourself, speak something uplifting instead.  Express your thanks to the Lord for a blessing in your life.  Speak encouragement to yourself or someone else.

Ephesians 4:29 says, "Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them."  Take this to heart.  Don't put yourself down.  Speak with confidence, as a woman who knows her value in Christ.  Avoid even thinking badly about yourself.  When you look in the mirror, try to see yourself with God's eyes, not with criticism and judgment.  When you make a mistake, view yourself with grace and love. 

If you stumble and say or think something badly about yourself, stop and say a quick prayer.  Ask the Lord to show you how to be a woman of virtue.  Ask Him to bring confidence into your heart.  Intentionally change the way you talk about yourself, aloud and internally, and your security in Christ will quickly begin to shine in your life.   

Value yourself as God's treasure.  You are precious to Him.  He sees you as beautiful and He is forming someone's heart just for you.

Write Proverbs 31:10 on a sticky note and place it in a spot where you will be constantly reminded of your worth in Christ when you need it the most.  If you struggle with your outer appearance, stick the note on your bathroom mirror.  If your grades are what bring you down, place this verse on your desk or the outside of your school planner.  If immodesty is a temptation in your life, hang the verse on the door of your closet.

A virtuous woman is more precious than rubies.  Stand strong in this, sisters.  Hold this in your heart as you strive to grow daily in Christ.  And remember, even when you make mistakes, even when you aren't looking your best, even when you are feeling lonely or confused, you are cherished by God.  You are beautiful to Him.  You are unique to Him.  You are precious to Him.

How have you been reminded of your value in Christ today?