March is here, my friends! It’s the month when spring arrives, at least on the calendar. Our temperatures lately already feel like spring – and the pollen is out in full force.

Today we’re continuing to focus on prayer by looking at a prayer of praise we find in 1 Chronicles 29:10-19. I love this heartfelt prayer from David! If we want to learn to praise God as we pray, I think this prayer is a wonderful example to follow.

Since this is a long passage, I’m going to just put each section of verses under the respective point rather than add it here at the top of the post. Let’s examine this prayer to find five things that show us how to offer prayers of praise to God.

1. Praise God for who He is.

 Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our father, forever and ever.

Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. [Verses 10-11]

God is so far above us. He is holy, all-powerful, full of glory and majesty, creator of Heaven and earth, and Lord of all. And that’s just the beginning!

Write out a list of God’s attributes that you can praise him for. To get you started, you can find five of God’s names here and use them in your praise. You can also check out these ten simple verses from Psalms to inspire your praise life.

2. Praise God for what he does.

Both riches and honor come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. [Verses 12-13]

God is in control of all that happens in our lives. Every situation is allowed and orchestrated by him. Whether now in the present or when looking back at the past, we can see his hand at work in our lives.

How often have we been kept safe or recovered from an illness or come through a trial to joy on the other side? God does so much in our lives – including answering prayer – that we can praise him for.

3. Let God know that you recognize that all you have comes from him.

But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.

O Lord our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own. [Verses 14-16]

David realized how blessed he was. He knew there was nothing in him or his people that caused them to deserve all the blessings that they had received. David clearly recognized that everything they had came from God.

Stewardship involves using what God has entrusted us with to bring him glory. That includes our time, abilities, and money. Here King David and his people willingly brought some of their material blessings and gave them to God.

Recognizing that everything comes from God leads us to gratitude. And grateful people who want to steward their blessings well become generous people.

4. Examine your spiritual condition.

I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee. [Verse 17]

David knows that God wants praise from a heart that is seeking to honor and please him. David declares that his offerings to God are from an honest, sincere, and willing heart.

As we come before God in praise and worship, let’s make sure that we’ve dealt with any known sin in our lives. Let’s ask God to reveal to us those things that would keep us out of fellowship with Him so that we can praise Him from a pure heart.

5. Ask God to continually give you a heart full of praise and to bless those you love.

O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this forever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee:

And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision. [Verses 18-19]

David wants his people to continually remember this time of praise and worship. And he closes his prayer by asking God to guide his son, Solomon, into following him.

As we close out our own prayer of praise, let’s ask God to bless our families with a rich heritage of keeping God’s commands and living out His plans for their lives.

I hope we make it a habit to praise God as we go to prayer. Often our minds are full of requests for His help and guidance. But let’s take time to praise God as we seek His face.

If you’d like to know more about using the Bible in your prayer life, check out my printable prayer guide on How to Pray the Bible for Yourself and Your Family.

Related posts:

• 3 Women in the Bible Teach Us How to Praise God
• How to Make Our Words and Thoughts Pleasing to God
• What Does It Really Mean to Rejoice in the Lord?

Hello, friends! It’s hard to believe I’m coming to you on the last Wednesday of this month! Spring will be here before we know it.

Recently, we’ve been talking about prayer here on the blog. In last week’s post, we looked at 5 Simple Truths About Prayer from The Lord’s Prayer. Today we’re going to dig into a prayer from the Old Testament.

We find a prayer of King Hezekiah recorded in 2 Kings 19. Just a little background…Hezekiah and the people at Jerusalem are preparing for an attack from the Assyrian army. Before the battle can commence, the Assyrian army has to leave the area to deal with another enemy. However, Rabshakeh, their spokesperson, sends a letter to Hezekiah, basically saying don’t think this is over! I’ll be back and no god will be able to save you from being defeated by the Assyrians.

Here’s Hezekiah’s reaction to this message.

And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord.

And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said, O Lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.

Lord, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, Lord, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God. Of a truth, Lord, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands, And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them.

Now therefore, O Lord our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the Lord God, even thou only. ~2 Kings 19:14-19

As far as I know, none of us are under an actual physical attack from an army! However, we’re each likely facing some other type of trouble. It could be a financial shortage, a relationship that’s falling apart, a health crisis, a spiritual struggle, or a long list of other trials.

In Hezekiah’s prayer, we see five keys to praying during a time of trouble.

1. Tell God exactly what the problem is.

I love verse 14! Hezekiah took the letter and actually spread it out before the Lord.

Whatever our trouble is, we can take it to God in prayer. We can talk to Him specifically about our needs.

2. Recite God’s greatness.

Hezekiah begins his prayer by praising God. He says that God is God alone, over all kingdoms. He is the maker of Heaven and earth.

As we state truths about God, it helps us put our current trouble in perspective. We have a God capable of handling anything we face.

3. Ask God to hear your prayer and see your need.

God already knew about the threat Jerusalem was facing from the Assyrians. But Hezekiah still asked God to hear his prayer and to notice the predicament he was in.

God knows all about your problem, too. But go to God in prayer and ask Him to hear you. Pray for His attention to be drawn to your distress.

4. Believe that God will intervene on your behalf.

Hezekiah knows that the threat is real – Assyrians have totally destroyed other countries. He says, “Of a truth, Lord, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands…” But He also knows that the gods of those countries weren’t able to save those people because they weren’t real gods.

Without God, there was a very real possibility that Jerusalem would fall to the Assyrians. And without God helping us, our trouble seems overwhelming. Yet when we go to God in prayer, we can trust Him to help us deal with our problems.

5. Pray for God to receive the glory through how He answers your prayer.

The prayer ends with Hezekiah’s desire for God to get the glory. As God saves Jerusalem from Assyria’s army, Hezekiah wants all kingdoms of the earth to recognize that God is God alone.

However God chooses to deliver you from trouble, seek to give Him the glory.

And in case you don’t know how this story involving Hezekiah ends, here’s 2 Kings 19:35.

“And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the Lord went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses.“

May we each see God work in a mighty way as we pray to Him in our times of trouble.

Related posts:

• A Prayer for When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed
• How to Find Comfort in Praying the Names of God
• 7 Things a Wise Woman Can Pray For

How are you feeling today? In this instance, I’m not talking about your physical health, but more about your emotions.

One day recently I was feeling a little blue, as they say. There was no reason for it, that I knew of. I just wasn’t my usual happy self 🙂

Maybe you can relate if you occasionally have days when you’re a little down and aren’t really sure why. It could be that you’ve had lots of changes happening in your life and it’s a bit overwhelming. Or maybe nothing changes ever and that’s left you rather glum. Perhaps it’s a health struggle or a relationship breakdown or just a case of realizing you’re not getting any younger!

Whatever brings about those days, I would guess that many of us have them. But we don’t want to stay in that unhappy place. And we can’t just count on our circumstances changing to make us feel better. Sometimes we have to step up and encourage our own selves.

It may not be what we actually feel like doing, but it can be what we need to do to turn our mindset around. So if you’re looking for ways to find encouragement, something on this list of ten actions could be helpful. We likely know most of these but it’s always good to be reminded of ways we can encourage ourselves.

1. Go to God’s Word.

Read it. Dive into the Psalms – many of them are short and so relatable when we’re struggling. Choose one verse and write it out.

As you have time, dig deeper into a verse or passage. You could even turn it into your own prayer to the Lord.

2. Pray.

We can pour out every thought, every hurt, and every emotion to God. He hears and is merciful and compassionate.

3. Give thanks.

Just look around and notice all that you have to be grateful for. Write out a few of your blessings every day.

4. Praise God.

Turn on music that is uplifting. Sing some songs out loud while you work around the house or drive in your car.

5. Meditate on God’s promises.

If you know there’s a particular worry or fear that’s getting you down, find a promise of God that addresses that issue.

Is it a financial strain? “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 4:19

Need guidance? “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” ~Proverbs 3:5-6

You can also focus your mind on God’s character. For example, read through these six truths about God from Psalm 145 and choose one to meditate on today.

6. Do something for someone else.

Do something small – a text that says, “I’m thinking of you” – or mail a handwritten note. Or do something that takes a little more of a time commitment – make someone a meal or stop by and visit someone who’s currently homebound.

7. Surround yourself with encouraging people.

Reach out to a friend and ask her to pray for you. Head to a church service where you can connect with fellow believers.

8. Read good books that will encourage your heart.

Find biographies of Godly women or search for Christian books that will help you learn more and grow in your faith.

9. Set a small goal to accomplish each day.

Many times we feel better when we have a sense of accomplishment. Determine a small thing you’d like to do – it could be taking a walk outside or exercising or straightening up one area in your house. Tackle it early in the day so that you can cross it off your list and get that little win.

10. Find something to be excited about in the future.

Put an event on your calendar in the next few weeks that you can look forward to. Lunch with a friend, a pedicure, a visit to a craft store for new supplies for your hobby, a walk in a new-to-you park or part of town. Then take care of any planning ahead of time so that you’re ready for your adventure when the time comes.

When you have one of those “feeling blue” days, I hope you’ll choose one or more of these things to do and end the day encouraged!

Related posts:

• 3 Tips for a Better Attitude Today
• 13 Simple Ways to Encourage Our Children
• How to Move Forward When We Don’t Know What to Pray

Welcome to the blog today! While the weather this time of year isn’t my favorite (here’s looking at you, heat and humidity), I do totally enjoy all the daylight hours! I love the light early in the mornings and late into the evenings.

Today’s topic is one that we’ve probably all struggled with at some point. Having a strong, healthy thought life means overcoming a wide range of temptations.

Sure, it could be impure or lustful thoughts. It could also be jealousy or envy, often brought on by comparing ourselves or what we have with others. Fear and worry can dominate our minds. Or maybe we just have a negative outlook because we’re ungrateful.

We read in the first part of Proverbs 23:7 that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. That tells me that the person I’m becoming is directly tied to how I’m thinking.

We become what we think about. So what are we feeding our minds?

Do we read books or watch movies or listen to songs that lead us to impure thoughts? Are we giving fear top billing in our minds as we check the news throughout the day? Do we worry more or pray more?

I can admit that I’ve been in all of these places at different times in my life. Yet no matter what our struggle is in this area, we can have victory through God’s power.

Here are seven Bible verses we can pray to help us win the battle for our minds.

1. “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” ~Psalm 19:14

This is the perfect verse to start with because it’s already a prayer! The meditation of our heart – what a perfect description of our thoughts. God knows every thought that passes through our minds and we want all of them to be pleasing to Him.

2. (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; ~2 Corinthians 10:4-5

What beautiful imagery – capturing every thought. It’s easy to let our minds fill with any ol’ thoughts, to just let them run free. But this verse doesn’t have gentle language. It’s active – pull down, cast down, bring into captivity. We have to take action to control our thoughts.

This verse is also a wonderful reminder that we can only do this because of our mighty God. It’s a spiritual battle and we need His help to win it.

God, through your power, let me throw out of my mind wrong imaginations and any thoughts that cause me to go against You and Your Word. Help me to capture every stray thought and align it with your truth.

3. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. ~Philippians 4:8

Here’s a checklist for our thought life. If what you’re thinking about lines up with these guidelines, you’re good to go.

Dear Lord, let my mind only dwell on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good, and virtuous. May all my thoughts be praiseworthy.

4. Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. ~Matthew 22:37

If I’m loving God with all my mind, there will be no room for other sinful thoughts.

Heavenly Father, help me to love you with all of my mind. Let thoughts of You and Your truth crowd out all else. I’m thankful that you are worthy of all my worship and praise.

5. Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; ~1 Peter 1:13

It’s easy to get sloppy about our thought life. Monitoring what goes into our minds may seem unimportant at times. But, as we mentioned above, what we’re feeding our minds is going to affect every part of us. It’s important to be vigilant about what we’re allowing to influence us.

Dear Lord, may I take control of my thoughts and be serious about guarding what enters my mind. Thank You for your grace and that I can seek forgiveness from You when my thoughts get off track.

6. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. ~Psalm 139:23-24

Just like the number one above, this verse is already a prayer. No need to elaborate – we can just pray what’s written! It’s humbling to ask God to search us, not just our words and actions, but our thoughts and motives.

7. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. ~Romans 13:14

This verse applies to every area of our lives, from where we go to what we take in to the people we hang out with.

God keep me from thoughts that would cause me to sin. Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil. Give me perception and discernment to see where certain thought patterns will lead and let me not follow blindly. Convict me of sin in my thought life.

I hope all of us can benefit from one or more of these prayers as we strive to win the battle for our thought life.

Related posts:

• How to Develop a God-honoring Thought Life
• 5 Truths to Help You Get Victory Over Sin
• How to Make Our Words and Thoughts Pleasing to God

It’s another middle-of-the-week post and the last one for April!

It looks like May is shaping up to be a full month around here. We’ll be happy to have our daughters home from college in a couple of weeks. There’s also a friend’s wedding and a few graduations, so lots of celebrating ahead!

A few days ago I became burdened about praying for someone I love. Have you ever had that feeling? Maybe it’s a spouse, a child, a relative, or a friend. It could be that you know they need Jesus as their Savior. Perhaps they’re experiencing a health crisis or a financial problem. Or you might recognize that a person you love is facing a spiritual battle and you want to cover them in prayer.

As I was thinking about this the other night, I was reminded of a story about Abraham. Near the end of Genesis 18, after spending time with Abraham and Sarah, the Lord tells Abraham his plan to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because of their wickedness. You’ll remember that Abraham’s nephew, Lot, and his family live in that area.

Then there’s a back-and-forth conversation where Abraham asks God to spare the city if there’s a certain number of righteous people in it. Abraham continues to lower the number of righteous required, and God continues to agree to spare the city if He finds that many righteous people.

There’s a lot we can learn from this exchange. As Abraham pleads with God on Lot’s behalf, let’s look at five things we can apply as we pray for someone we love.

1. His prayer was specific.

Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? ~Genesis 18:24

Abraham didn’t just offer a general prayer for the city to be spared. He listed specific numbers in his request to God.

Let’s be specific as we pray. What exactly is it that we want God to do in this person’s life? It helps to base our prayer on God’s Word so we’ll know for certain that we’re praying in His will.

For example, if we’re praying for someone who’s fighting temptation, pray that they will put on the whole armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-18. You could even pray through each particular piece as you pray for your loved one.

2. He appealed to God’s character.

And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? ~Genesis 18:23-25

Abraham knew God so he was able to speak to His character. He knew that God was just and always did what was right.

We can do the same as we pray. Appeal to His mercy. Ask for His grace. Our God is compassionate, loving, and longsuffering. We can rest in those traits as we bring our requests to Him.

3. He was humble.

And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes: ~Genesis 18:27

His attitude wasn’t, “God, you owe me.” No, he recognized who he was and who God was.

We can approach God boldly yet still have an attitude of reverence and humility. It’s only because of His grace that we’re able to come into His presence and have Him hear our prayers.

4. He was persistent.

And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake. ~Genesis 18:32

This was the sixth time Abraham asked God to answer his specific request. And not once did God tell him to stop asking.

Don’t give up. Remember the New Testament admonition to pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

5. He left it in the Lord’s hands.

And the Lord went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place. ~Genesis 18:33

Abraham didn’t try to follow the Lord to see what was going to happen. Once he’d finished talking to God, he returned home and went about his usual business.

Too often I’ll pray about something, but rather than leaving it in the Lord’s hands, I’ll continue to worry or fret over it. When that happens, I try to remind myself of Philippians 4:6, 7.

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I find encouragement as I read how Jesus prayed for Peter in Luke 22:31-32.

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Let’s take our requests for our loved ones to God in prayer and trust Him to work in their lives for His glory.

Related posts:

• 10 Things to Pray for When You’re Seeking God’s Guidance
• 6 Steps for How to Pray When We’re Anxious or Afraid
• 7 Important Things to Remember as We Pray for Our Teenagers

Welcome to the blog today! My mom is here visiting for a few days, so I’m enjoying our time together. She’s our first official guest in the new house!

It seems like we hear a lot these days about identity or finding our identity. What does that even mean?

Here’s what I found on the website YourDictionary.

“The definition of identity is who you are, the way you think about yourself, the way you are viewed by the world, and the characteristics that define you.“

So what defines you? How do you identify yourself? I think many times we identify ourselves by the roles we play. But here’s what I’m coming to realize about my identity.

It’s not in being a wife.

It’s not in being a mom.

It’s not in a job title or occupation.

It’s not in accomplishments.

It’s not even wrapped up in the ministry I do.

It’s not in what other people think of you. (I can get caught up in this one.)

It’s who I am in Christ. It’s seeing myself as God sees me.

And the same is true for you.

So how can we as Christian women find our identity? Here are eight ways a wise woman will find her identity in Christ.

1. She recognizes that she is a child of God.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” ~John 1:12

If we have trusted Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are His daughters. First He created us and then He redeemed us. If we’re moms, all those emotions of love and joy and compassion that we feel for our children, our Heavenly Father feels for us.

2. She knows that God loves her.

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ~Romans 8:38-39

What a verse to lean on! There is nothing in or out of this world that can separate us from God’s love. Maybe someone that I thought loved me doesn’t act like they do anymore. I never have to doubt God’s love. It is constant and sure.

3. She understands that she is fearfully and wonderfully made.

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” ~Psalm 139:14

Remarkably, wondrously, marvelously – that’s how you and I were made. God knit our bodies together in His own unique plan for us. He gave us our strengths and weaknesses, our gifts and talents and even our shortcomings. After all, those are what drive us to rely on Him. Nothing about the way we’re made is a mistake.

4. She finds comfort in knowing that God thinks about her.

“How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!” ~Psalm 139:17

I don’t think my mind can truly grasp the truth that God thinks many thoughts about me. What a comfort that is, to know that an all-powerful, all-knowing, always present God has me and my needs – and you and yours – on His mind.

5. She remembers that she is God’s workmanship, created for a purpose.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” ~Ephesians 2:10

Know that we are each created for a purpose. No matter our age or stage of life, God has something for us to accomplish.

6. She rejoices because she is free from the power of sin.

“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” ~Hebrews 6:6

We won’t be perfect until we get to Heaven. However, because of our salvation and through the power of the Holy Spirit, we don’t have to sin. We can have victory and not be enslaved to the passions of the flesh. That anger problem? The bitterness? That tongue that gets you into trouble? We can break free from those sins with the Lord’s help.

7. She believes that God hears her prayers.

“But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.” ~Psalm 66:19-20

We have a God who hears and answers our prayers. We can rest in that truth even we don’t see the outcome we want right away.

8. She knows that one day she will be like Him.

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” ~1 John 3:2

One day we will see Jesus. Our sinful nature will disappear. We will live and reign with Christ forever. Surely there’s no greater identity we could want for ourselves!

We will have many roles during our lifetime – daughter, sister, friend, student, employee, wife, mother, business owner, grandmother – the list could go on. But as we live out each of those roles, through the changing seasons of life, we can always rest in who we are as a beloved child of God.

Related posts:

• 5 Things to Know About God’s Plan for Your Life
• 4 Defeating Thoughts and How to Overcome Them
• What I Want to Say to Guilt and Shame the Next Time They Show Up

Welcome back to Girls to Grow! My sweet husband has been traveling to some colder places – Denver last week and Minneapolis this week – and it’s making me appreciate the warmer days we’re having here in South Carolina in late February. It’s exciting to realize that spring is only a few weeks away!

There’s a neat feature on the backend of the blog where I can see what search terms people use to find my blog posts. Very frequently, one of those terms has to do with being a wise woman.

I’ve written a few posts on that topic before, and I’ll link them in the “Related Posts” section below. However, today I thought we’d dig into ten essential things that wise women do. I hope we’ll recognize some on the list that already characterize our lives, and maybe find a few that we can work on!

1. Think before they speak.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: ~James 1:19

Isn’t this an appropriate place to start? Controlling our tongue is probably a lifelong struggle for all of us! But taking a quick second to think before we make a comment or respond to someone can save us from a lot of heartache or misunderstanding.

Also, do you remember Proverbs 17:28? “Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.” Sometimes the best course of action is to just say nothing at all!

2. Study God’s Word.

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. ~Psalm 119:130

It only makes sense that if we want to be wise we’ll read God’s Word, study it, and meditate on it. We can think of practical ways to do this like writing a verse on a 3×5 card and looking at it throughout the day. Set a timer on your phone and read a particular verse whenever it goes off. Getting into the true source of all wisdom can only lead to us getting wiser.

3. Manage their money well and are generous.

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. ~Proverbs 31:20-21

The virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 wants to help those who are in need. Maybe she gives money – or it could be a warm meal or clean clothes.

At the same time, she makes sure the people in her own house have what they need. Proverbs 31:11 tells us that her husband trusts her and will have no lack of gain. She’s a prudent and faithful manager of the household and finances.

4. Are content with what they have.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. ~1 Timothy 6:6-7

Whether it’s from looking at social media or just comparing what we have with our friends or neighbors, we can easily get dissatisfied. Instead of comparing, cultivate a grateful heart. Actually count your blessings. Rest in the truth that what you have is enough and be satisfied.

5. Serve others.

Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. ~ Galatians 6:2

It’s so easy to get caught up in our own struggles and trials. That pity-party for one can last a long time if we let it! But a wise woman’s focus is not on herself. She makes a point of noticing others’ needs and looks for ways that she can help. Besides obeying the verse above, don’t we just feel so much better ourselves when we reach out and help someone else?

6. Use their time well.

 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. ~Psalm 90:12

Ephesians 5:16 calls it redeeming our time. We want to buy it back. Time is going by no matter what we do. It’s our responsibility to take control of it and use it wisely. There’s certainly a place for rest and relaxation. But God has given each of us a certain number of days, and we want to make sure we’re not just wasting time, but purposely spending it on things that matter.

7. Control their anger.

He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. ~Proverbs 14:29

I used to think I wasn’t an angry person, but I feel like that’s changed as I’ve gotten older. It seems that it doesn’t take much for me to feel annoyed or frustrated.

If I want to be wise, I’ll have to pray for the Holy Spirit’s help to be slow to anger. Memorizing verses like the one above – and others, like Proverbs 16:32, which says that those who are slow to anger are better than the mighty – can help me when I’m tempted to be quick-tempered.

8. Ask God for wisdom.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. ~James 1:5

This one makes sense, doesn’t it? A wise woman recognizes that she doesn’t have all the answers. So she prays and asks an all-wise God to give her the wisdom she needs. And He promises to do it!

9. Live their lives with a humble spirit.

When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. ~Proverbs 11:2

To reference another Bible verse, a wise woman doesn’t think of herself more highly than she should. [Romans 12:3] She recognizes that all that she is and has are the result of the blessings of a gracious God.

10. Have eternal – not earthly – values.

 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. ~Colossians 3:1-2

Our busy day-to-day lives demand our attention. It’s easy to forget that there’s so much more to live for than what’s in the here and now. Spending time in God’s Word and prayer and investing in people are actual things we can do that will impact our lives today and forever.

So are there one or two of these that you can work on this week that will help you be a wise woman? I’d say for me, numbers 5 and 6 can definitely use some work. Let’s ask God to help us to be wise women, not for our own glory, but for His!

Related posts:

• 7 Steps to Becoming a Wise Woman
• Don’t Be a Fool: 5 Things to Avoid if You Want to Be Wise
• 4 Ways to Invest in What Really Matters for Your Future

Somehow it’s gotten to be Wednesday again, and it’s less than a week till our daughters come home from college for Thanksgiving break! This will be the first time they’ve been home since they started the semester at the end of August. We’re all excited for them to be back here for several days.

Recently my husband was talking about how when my mom sends us a card or a note, she always includes 3 John 4. Are you familiar with that verse? It says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” It’s always an encouragement to us to keep walking in truth!

I’m not as consistent about including a Bible verse reference when I write to our girls. However, when I do put one in their notes, it’s typically Number 6:24-26. That’s the blessing I pray often for my family.

“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”

So when I pray these verses, what am I asking God for in regards to my family? It’s these six things.

1. His blessing.

To me, this means wanting God to grant good things to those for whom I’m praying. I’m trusting that He will answer the prayers that my husband or children are praying for their own lives. And not just answer those requests but do it exceeding abundantly above all that they could ask or think. [Ephesians 3:20]

2. His protection.

God has the ability to watch over my family in whatever situation they face. He can protect them from physical harm, and also from spiritual attacks. Just as Jesus taught his disciples to pray, I can ask that the Lord would not lead them into temptation, but would deliver them from evil. [Matthew 6:13]

3. His favor.

This portion of the passage says, “The Lord make his face shine upon thee…” Just as the sun shines light and warmth down on the earth, I want God’s favor to shine on my family because He is pleased with them. Matthew Henry’s commentary calls God’s favor “the smile of a loving Father.”

4. His grace.

We all need God’s grace every day of our lives. No matter how well my husband or daughters (or myself!) may be living, we could never deserve all the good things that God provides for us. And when one of them is struggling, it’s God’s grace that can carry them through, giving strength and courage as they need it.

5. His notice.

We know that God cares for each one of us. Yet I love this reminder of the Lord lifting up His countenance upon us. How sweet to pray that God would focus on someone I love, that they would receive His individual attention and kindly interest.

6. His peace.

What a way to end! God’s peace in the lives of those we care about is such a gift. Life comes along and gives them reasons to be anxious, worried, or fearful. But God can give them His peace in their soul.

These verses hang on a wall in our home and are a daily reminder to me to pray God’s blessings over my family!

Dear Lord, bless my husband and my children. Protect their bodies, minds, and hearts. Don’t allow Satan to gain a foothold in their thoughts. Cause your face to shine on them and allow them to see your grace at work in their lives. Look on each one of them today and let them know that you love and care for them. Give each one your peace in their souls.

If you’d like to learn more about praying for your family, check out my prayer guide on How to Pray the Bible for Yourself and Your Family.

Related posts:

• 7 Prayers to Pray for Our Homes and Families in 2021
• 5 Prayers to Pray for Your Children Every Day
• How to Make a Monthly Prayer List for Your Family