Being Trustworthy in Doing Him Good and Not Evil

I feel "stuck" on that first attribute still: trustworthiness. Especially as it relates to me only building up my husband and not tearing him down.

Today, a different point stands out starkly to me:

"She does him good and not evil all the days of her life." (Proverbs 31:12)

Not just sometimes.

Not just when he's cooperating, or when she feels like it.

Not even just when it's easy.

But when he is frustrating,

or infuriating,

or seems to just make everything more difficult or when he is just being a man (ugh).

But even when he seems unlovable, she does him good and not evil -- in her thoughts and actions.

Definitely easier said than done, is what I'm personally learning hardcore since making that commitment earlier this week.

But that's what the Devil does: as soon as you get in cahoots with God and/or make a commitment before Him, the Devil will do anything he can to dissuade you. He doesn't want you (me) stronger and growing in power in the Lord.

I feel that prayer may help on this battle ground.

Lord,
Please help me to stay steadfast in my commitment to be always honoring to my husband in every area -- my mind, my body, my thoughts, my actions -- with or apart from him.
Bring it continually to the forefront of my mind and help me to be strong against my contrasting emotions.
Grow me in this area, Lord; grow me in my marriage. I know I cannot do this in my own strength and knowledge. Teach me daily.

"All things are possible with God." Mark 10:27

The Virtuous Woman Is Trustworthy

I feel like I need to really stop and dwell on the first attribute Linda Dillow points out about the virtuous wife in her book "Creative Counterpart": being trustworthy.

Especially being found so in regards to my husband.

Trustworthy to stand by his side no mater what.

Trustworthy to be diligent in our household.

And (mostly) trustworthy in not slandering his name.

Without giving out too much detail, I will mention here that my husband and I recently went through a major struggle and extreme test in our marriage. Hearts were wounded deeply on both sides. Trust seemed a thing of the past.

In my anguish, I cried out to the Lord -- something I hadn't really done on that level in a very long time. I didn't know where to turn or what step to take next. Ironically (and unfairly) enough, the message I heard gently, yet loudly was that I, myself, was lacking; and I would have to reevaluate these specific levels of trustworthiness in my relationship with my husband.

In all honesty, I really struggle in this area. I want to be the "woman of resolution who, having chosen Godly principles, is firm and faithful to them."

I want to make a fresh commitment before God to truly honor my husband in all things and in all areas of my life so that he can find me worthy of his trust.

This includes my personal thoughts and emotions, the words I speak to him and to others about him, and my actions whatever situations may arise.

I want to commit to strive to only build him up in all areas, not to tear him down. Only with the Lord's help and grace will I be able to accomplish such a feat. And it requires me to guard myself diligently.

I'm continuing to read 1 Peter. Two things struck me while reading the second chapter:

1.) "Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God." (v 16) "...die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed." (v 24)

2.) And also that God is described as the Guardian of my soul. (v 25)

How very comforting that is to know. <3

"Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths." Psalm 25:4

Some Points from 1 Peter Chapter 1

So I've been attempting to read Linda Dillow's "Creative Counterpart" once again.

The first chapter is only 2 pages, but it gets me in the gut every time. (Hence, I never get beyond that first chapter and actually read the entire book. Hence, I am attempting to complete it yet again.)

Here is something I took away from rereading that first chapter:

I should not live because of my circumstances, but rather I should live in spite of my circumstances!

In the introduction of the book, Jeanne Hendricks says that Linda Dillow has the "quiet strength that exudes the fragrance of the 1 Peter example of womanhood."

I had no idea what that meant, so I also read 1 Peter chapter 1. There's a lot to think about in that simple, short letter! 

Such as: I was chosen to obey Jesus Christ.

I was chosen by God, Himself. 

Let the weight of that sink in for just a minute.

I was chosen to be sprinkled with His [pardoning] blood. (vv 1-2)

I was chosen to obtain an imperishable (and undefiled) inheritance. (vv 3-4)

Even when things are difficult, I can and am supposed to take heart in the fact that I was chosen, and that I and my inheritance are protected by the power of God. (Another pause for soaking in.)

Take joy at least in that, because eternal (gifts) last longer than this world and its trials. (v6)

"...obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls." (v 9) Wow.

I am to prepare my mind for action. (v 13)

I am to be obedient and moving forward from who I was in my ignorance and former lusts. (v 14)

I am to be holy because He, my Father, is holy. (vv15-16)

I can act  in obedience to holiness because of the fear that I rightfully possess knowing 1.) that God is able to judge (impartially) and 2.) that I was bought and chosen and called to obedience at the cost of a precious price. (vv 17-18)

And finally: It is because of Him and that precious price that was paid that I believe and even am able to believe in God.

Just some thoughts from one hour in a busy mom's life spent soaking up Truth.