**Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also and he praiseth her.** Proverbs 31:28
All scripture can have three applications. One being a literal application, like the historical accounts of the Book of Acts. A practical application, like the parable of the seed and the sower. And a spiritual application, the deeper sense that draws us closer to God and gives us a glimpse into his heart and his kingdom.
We talked yesterday about the practical, real life application of this verse. Let’s take a look at the spiritual application today.
**Her children arise up and call her blessed**…Each of us should have at least one spiritual child. One person that we have brought to spiritual birth. One person that we have invested time and prayer and teaching of the Word of God for their spiritual growth. I understand that it is not as easy as it sounds. But if we honestly want spiritual children and we ask God for them, we have asked something that is definitely his will, so he is ready to give us our request.
Our spiritual children are our biggest fans. Their hearts are filled with gratitude for showing them the way to peace and hope. Just like we are grateful for those that told us. My spiritual mom is a lovely woman of grace and strength. Her name is Nancy Fabry. She has always been there for me when I have had questions and has me regularly covered in prayer. She has led many to Christ. The day that she walks into the presence of God, she will hear…”this is my beloved daughter, in whom I am well pleased.” My prayer is that God will bless her abundantly in her remaining years on earth.
Our natural children may take their time in blessing and praising us as mothers, as they are finding their own way in this life and need to understand some realities before they are able to see the investment we as mothers have made in them. They may also be shy in regards to praise. Not all people are comfortable with it. But the day will come when they will be able to be strong in who they are and will be able to recognize what we and others have sacrificed for them.
**Her husband also, and he praiseth her.** We know from Scripture that we are the bride of Christ. He is and will be our spiritual husband. He is ALWAYS faithful, loyal, kind, tender, good, loving, encouraging and praises us for our dedication to him.
Zephaniah 3:17 tells us that **he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.**
Psalm 149:4 ** For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.**
John 17:3 **I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.**
Romans 2:29 **but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.**
As the bride of Christ, his passion for us, his love for us and his praise of us is guaranteed. He is not an absent-minded husband. He fulfills all of his roles perfectly. He doesn’t get distracted by his work or sports or hobbies. His focus is on us 24/7. His love for us is everlasting. His praise of us is continual because He sees us as we will be and not as we are.
The Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5-7 is where we find the clearest representation of God’s praise and blessing for his children and his bride. Those that are poor in spirit, those that mourn, or are meek in spirit, and those that hunger for his Word and his presence. Also, those that are merciful, pure in heart and peacemakers and those that are persecuted for identifying themselves with him. God blesses those who face hardship because of his Name. He loves, blesses and rewards those who pay the price for being a follower of Christ.
So, maybe today, you have not yet heard the praises of your children or the praises and blessings of your husband. While you wait for it, rest and rejoice in the blessings and praises of your spiritual husband. The One that will never forsake you or leave you. The One who appreciates and values all that you do for him. The One who never misses even the smallest detail of love and devotion that you show him. The One who blesses you with spiritual blessings.