Covered in Scarlet

 

    There are many attributes about the Proverbs 31 woman that are admirable and people like to focus on. People emphasize how she’s wise, loving, clothed in dignity and strength. However, there’s one aspect that I do not see talked about as often that I think we as godly women should also strive for and that is finding peace in the Lord.

              Lemme explain.

              Proverbs 31:21 says, “She is not afraid of snow for her household, for her household are clothed in scarlet.”

              Let’s break this down part by part, shall we? Starting with, “She is not afraid of snow for her household.” She is not afraid.

              I don’t know about you, but I am a worrier. Anytime I don’t think I can pay for the next semester of school, have enough for gas, or just feel like my friends are distant (although most of the time it’s cause of me), I tend to worry. When I have a million things on my to do list or my calendar, I get stressed. I used to disagree with my mom when she would say I’m type a, but now I realize she was right (you’re welcome, mom). It’s so easy to look at the current situation and worry. And I bet the same goes for you.

              Yet, God comes through every time. He provides financial aid, stretches my gas to last me, and pushes me to reach out to my friends. He doesn’t let it overwhelm me and I am able to do the things I really need and be at the events I really have to be at. God comes through every time.

              Yet I still worry every time.

              We as women of God shouldn’t worry. The Bible says, “Do not fear,” 365 times, one time for everyday of the year (don’t get technical with me about leap years, it still applies). Jesus reminds us in the Sermon on the Mount that we are worth more than the sparrows God feeds and the lilies He clothes, and that He will do more for us, that we shouldn’t worry (Matt 6:25-34). There is no need to worry because God will take care of us.

              Now that doesn’t mean hardships won’t come. Snow can be a big problem, one that can make for worrisome conditions. Living in south Alabama, I wouldn’t really know, so let’s just use the example of any bad storm, snow or not. The Proverbs 31 woman is protected from the snowstorm. The storm does still happen, but she is kept warm from it. In a similar way, all of us will go through hardships. If you haven’t yet, just wait. However, if we find our faith and peace in God, we don’t have to let these storms affect our faith. His presence will keep us secure in Him, even if everything around us is coming down like a bad afternoon thunderstorm.

              Personally, I can see the scarlet as being a symbol for the blood of Christ. His blood covers the household, keeping it safe from sin and death, just like the blood of the lambs during the first Passover. Having Christ in your heart and making Him your home allows your heart and soul to be safe from sin, death, and suffering. Yes, these things will still come, and yes we will still feel the effects of them in this life. However, we are ultimately resting under His blood and can weather the storm through Him.