Be the Queen

The school year was approaching, and I needed to make final selections for my elementary-aged children’s curriculum and activities. As a homeschooling mother, I took these decisions seriously, knowing that choosing the right tools and ways to spend our time could make or break an entire school year. Feeling unsure of my choices, I felt myself begin to fret.

​ Immediately, my friend Joan came to mind. Joan had homeschooled her children through high school and often volunteered in our homeschool group, mentoring young moms. I called her and set up a time to meet. When we met, I could see the kindness in her eyes and hear the wisdom in her voice. She recognized my discomposure and helped steer me using insightful questions. She also offered to pray for me as I made these decisions. Her suggestions proved very helpful, and we had a successful school year!
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 As high school approached for my firstborn, I knew I needed a trusted voice to hear me and be a sounding board. I called Joan again. A second time, her wisdom and prayerful insight, helped steer me and my student toward a path that provided an excellent ninth-grade experience. 

In Daniel 5:10-12, the queen heard the baffled voices of the king and his noblemen. They were in great consternation because of a mysterious message written on the wall by the fingers of a human hand. All the king’s wise men could not help the king interpret the message, and they became afraid and turned pale. Imagine how they murmured amongst themselves and shook in fear. When the queen caught wind of their distress, she entered the banquet hall where they had gathered and spoke up. She told them there was no reason to be alarmed because there was a man in the kingdom full of insight, intelligence, and wisdom. She explained that King Nebuchadnezzar had leaned hard on Daniel’s wisdom in the past and highly recommended Daniel to help the king solve the complex problems and puzzles he was facing. So, King Belshazzar did just that. Daniel was brought in to explain the message written on the wall. 

The queen was a calm voice of reason when everyone else panicked. She knew from previous experience that Daniel’s wisdom came from the Lord, and he would bring clarity to the situation. As women of God, let us use our voices to point people to the source of true wisdom, God himself. 

Just as Joan was a calm voice of experience when I was distraught, you can also guide someone to seeking wisdom from God as well. Through conversation and prayer, your input can shine a light into someone else’s dark moment. 
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Is there a situation you are aware of that is infused with confusion, worry, or anxiety? Do you hear murmurings around you as people struggle with fear or uncertainty? Can you be the woman who commits to speaking up at the right moment with holy clarity and insight? Pointing people to biblical wisdom and praying for them when they are vulnerable, is regal behavior befitting a daughter of the King.  

“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:26 (NIV)

About the Author

Hi, I’m Dana Schaefer! Along with my husband and children, we make our home in northwest Georgia. I currently work as an Academic Dean at Heritage Bible College and am pursuing a doctoral degree. I love digging deeper into the Bible and finding encouragement, understanding, and truth to share with others. I love sunrises at the beach, rooibos tea, and crossword puzzles!