  |
| “And to provide for those who grieve in Zion: To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor” - Isaiah 61:3 I took this picture not too long ago. It’s been raining in my area, and its dreariness signals for us the coming of winter. But the rainbow reminds me that sunnier days are also ahead. Isaiah 63 is a good pick-me-up for those of you who are dreading the day unfolding. The prophet cried out the end of the exile to the nation of Israel, and that they should begin to act as though better days are coming. No matter what happens, have the courage to believe that God is bringing beauty, gladness and praise from the ashy, mourning despair of your life. Shed your clothes of mourning and start dancing. Remember God can place a rainbow in the midst of the rain… O God, turn my ashes into beauty, my mourning into gladness, and my despair into praise dancing. Plant my feet in Your soil, so I can grow and be a display of your splendor, in Jesus name, AMEN |