Do You Smile at the Future?

As I was spending time in the Word during the wee hours of the morning (or night, depending on how you look at it), I suddenly had an urge to read Proverbs 31 again.  Like many women who desire to be Godly, I've read that chapter numerous times over the years.  But as I was turning to it tonight, I knew in my spirit that the Lord was leading me there to show me something.

Sure enough, as I was reading, six words stood out to me: And she smiles at the future (v. 25).  I just kept reading those words over and over.  It's as if I've never seen them before.  As I pondered this statement I realized that I don't smile at the future.  Most of the time I try not to even think about the future.  Then I had to stop and ask myself - Why?

Why is it that when I think about the future I get knots in my stomach? Why is it that when I think about the future I feel this helpless despair?  When I think about the future, I'm not thinking about me but rather my sons.  Are they going to grow up to be mighty men of God or are they going to reject the Lord and live heathen lives?

Am I doing all that I know to do now, during the few short years that I have to train them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord?

I believe that there is definitely room for improvement and that's why the Lord has so graciously revealed this area to me.  Now it is up to me to trust in the Lord and do good (Ps. 37:3).  Trust that He has revealed this to me so that I can turn it over to Him.  Trust Him to continue the work in me and my children and do those things which I know to do, without losing heart because in due season I will reap (Gal. 6:9).