“When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.” Proverbs 31:21
I didn’t always understand this verse. Clothed in scarlet? What does clothing my family in red have to do with peace in a snowstorm?
We’re buried under a blanket of snow this morning. We don’t get a lot of snow in these parts of North Carolina. I get the impression people around here are pretty thankful they don’t have to worry too often about driving on slippery roads or bundling up with layers of clothing to keep themselves warm in freezing temperatures. I get the feeling the only people happy about a good snowfall are the kids. Not that they like getting out in it, they just like getting out of school.
I love a fresh snowfall. Always have. Even back home in Virginia where it snowed more frequently than it does in Spring Hope I loved it. I was never one to rush to the grocery store because I was afraid I’d run out of the bare necessities. I never got cabin fever. I never gave in to the fear of losing my electricity. I chose to enjoy the beauty of it. I just love the way snow blankets the earth in pure white.
Some of my fondest teenage memories are sledding on one of the best hills in the county with a group of great friends, especially by starlight with a bonfire adding warmth nearby…or ice skating by moonlight on a small pond surrounded by a thick forest of trees. Earthly sounds are muffled and the landscape is put to rest. A walk through the woods in the snow has always been good for my soul. All is hushed and my spirit finds peace.
I never thought I was a Proverbs 31 Woman. Years ago, though, I studied the real meaning of her “perfection” and realized she’s a woman I should strive to emulate. She’s well-prepared in all seasons. She works hard. She’s generous. She’s supports her husband. She takes care of her family. She walks the talk of faith.
She isn’t afraid of the future…she isn’t afraid of the snow…she. isn’t. afraid.
The Proverbs 31 Woman has done all she knows to do for her family. She has fed them well, clothed them properly, and given them a warm, loving home. The rest is up to God. Even in snowstorms.
This is a recurring theme in my life. God doesn’t want me to worry. He doesn’t want me to be anxious. He wants me to find rest in His unchanging hand. The Hand that offers protection and security. The Hand that gives strength and guidance. The Hand that never loses its grip and never grows tired. When my husband has to spend the night at the store and my son in a motel because roads are unsafe for traveling and I’m home alone in a big drafty house with 3 dogs, I don’t have to worry…i’m. not. afraid.
If God’s hands are big enough to hold the whole world then I can certainly trust Him to keep me safe, to keep my family safe. This morning, I have a smile on my face and peace in my heart because my family and I are well-prepared for the snow. I have dry wood for my wood stove, food to eat and plenty of warm clothing. I’m thinking of taking a walk across the cotton field. I won’t be clothed in scarlet, but I’ll be clothed in peace because the Hand of God is with me…
“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.” Psalm 139:7-10
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