Keeper of the Homes?

Since I was a little girl I've admired the idea of FAMILY. As a young adult, I learned something about the role of a woman, or a wife, in a family. She is to be the keeper of the home (Titus 2:5). What a great responsibility.

At first glance, I thought this role meant the wife was supposed to KEEP the home clean and organized. And I'm sure that is a part of the role. At second glance, however, I believed she was supposed to KEEP everyone together, like glue. Meaning she has to be the peacemaker; the level-headed one, and the prayer warrior. And I think that is a part as well. Today, as a wife of 3 years and a new mom of twins, the role of keeper of the home means something else entirely. It means being able to KEEP before the Lord through the inevitable changes that occur within a home and family unit. I say this as my family packs in preparation for our BIG move from Florida to Virginia. 😯

I've found this to be quite challenging these days. But I believe women can do this in the same way that the Proverbs 31 woman did it. Verse 25 of Proverbs 31 says "strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come". Some simplified translations say she is confident of the future or she is not afraid of the future. How wonderful. Toward the end of all of these amazing attributes is what I believe is a summarization of the Proverbs 31 woman. Verse 30 says "a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised". This woman was able to laugh at the future because she lived in reverent fear of God. She was mindful of Him. She kept before Him. Thus He was able to prepare her for all that came before her and her family.

You may be thinking what does fearing God have to do with being an exceptional wife and keeper of the home? Let's look at scriptures that speak to the endless benefits of having reverent fear for Yahweh.

Psalm 111:10 ESV

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!

Proverbs 1:7 ESV

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 14:27 ESV

The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.

Proverbs 8:13 ESV

The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.

Proverbs 19:23 ESV

The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.

Matthew 10:28 ESV

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Let's double back to the big change happening in my family. I have live in Florida all my life. It would be less strange if we were moving to another tropical climate, but we're not. We're moving to a small town in Central Virginia. I am a city girl with small-town tendencies, but the reality of moving my family to a small town feels daunting. Nevertheless, my family and I are confident that God has gone ahead of us and has prepared a path of prosperity and rest. We are grateful and excited for the change.

As the keeper of our home I have come to understand that God will cause big changes like this to occur in a family to test us. Our surroundings have changed, but my role is still the same. I will have to learn my new environment and update some family routines based on our new location. In everything, I will have to trust that God can and will lead me. Since I fear God and seek Him for wisdom, I will be able to keep my home with excellence and order because that is His nature. He will teach me as I seek him. He will be patient with me as I stumble. He will lift me when I fall. I am not alone in this new season. I can give attention to my husband, kids, and to God. I can be consistent and resourceful.

I can and I will. I will keep my home!