I have confidence in sunshine....

I just love, Love, LOVE the musical, Sound of Music!  Lately, I have been thinking about what a confident woman looks like. In my mind's eye she walks with her head held high, a positive attitude and her spirit bright and light.  I would turn to Biblical mentors Esther, Ruth and Deborah. 

The Proverbs 31 model of a confident woman lives without fear, is well prepared, has a positive self image, and an abundance of grace.  All of this exemplifies a woman in/of peace to me.  So, how can we achieve this peace that surpasses understanding? 

1 John 2:28 says:

and now dear children, continue in Christ,

so that when He appears we may be confident and unashamed

before Him at His coming.  

So, firstly we need to belong to Jesus, realizing that nothing we can do on our own can ever make ourselves good enough or righteous enough for God.  Secondly, we need to walk with Him.  That means we have to ~choose~ to stay firmly attached to Him, in relationship (this includes our actions and reactions moment to moment).  It means we have to stay in the Word, seeking His instruction and guide for living.  It means we have to do more than read the Good Book, we need to be obedient to it and allow Him to prune that which is hindering our growth and His plan. ouch!  It sounds like work and commitment but look at the prize - peace.

This means that we are going to have to trust Him and that means we have to be willing to depend completely on Him without fear of the outcome.  Hmm...without fear... already sounds like peace.  This trust develops as we walk with Him.

In the movie, Maria sings: ``It could be so exciting, to be out in the world, to be free``.  Like Maria, have you: "always longed for adventure to do the things you've never dared"?  Do you dream of the things you are seeking and seek the courage you lack?

You can find hope in Psalm 27:3:
Though an army beseige me, my heart will not fear;
Though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.

God knew us by name even before we were born.  We can trust Him,  prepare ourselves and fight the fears that creep in to rob our joy.  Remember fear's acronym? 
False
Evidence
Appearing
Real

The Proverbs 31 woman was confident because she had prepared herself and her household.  One of my favorite re-reads is Anne Ortlund's, "The Disciplines of the Beautiful Woman".  In this book she reminds us: "Nothing on the exterior can touch or change that inner sanctuary - your heart., His dwelling place - unless you let it.  And God, who loves you very much, has tailor made your outer life - your circumstances, your relationships - to pressure you into becoming the beautiful woman He's planned for you to be."

Ah yes, His dwelling place = my heart.  Thank you Mrs. Ortlund for the reminder and thank you Jesus for the Truth.

Press in and press on,
Giselle