Gird your loins

There are several phrases in Scripture that I find both hilarious and encouraging to my soul.  One of them is, "Gird your loins."  This one is epic (to me, at least).

The Old King James version uses this phrase the most often, however there are sprinklings of it in other versions of the Bible. Whenever my eyes read this phrase it makes me laugh every time (often snorting coffee).  Laughing is a great way to start the day out! Yet, it also serves as a friendly reminder and makes me ask myself, "Have I girded my loins today?"

 In Scripture, we see this phrase used when a man tucks up his tunic to fight in battle or to get some serious work done. In essence, ancient running shorts. Other times we see it used to reference a mindset.  To have your loins girded means you are prepared and ready for action.

When the Lord was speaking with Job, He declared out of the whirlwind, "Gird up thy loins like a man, for you are going to have to answer Me." (KJV). No one loves a one sided relationship. We need to be reading the Word of God, staying in relationship with Him so that we know what He expects of us and how we are to answer His calling.  When we are putting in the work and establishing our hearts on the Word of God, we are preparing ourselves to be used, to be equipped, to be well girded.  

In the first chapter of Jeremiah, God instructs him to gird up his loins and speak the words that God commanded him. The Lord warns him that he will fail in his mission if he does not prepare for action.  We cannot be useful if we remain ungirded. 

However, what great blessings are in store for those who are girding themselves with righteousness, with faithfulness (Isaiah 11:5) and with Truth! (Eph 6:14)

So often we read in Scripture that our relationship with Jesus is like running a race (Hebrews 12:1-2).  We, as women who follow the Lord, need to be prepared for action, tuck up our skirts and run the race He has set before us. 

God can do amazing things with a well-girded woman! 

"Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
1 Peter 1:13