"To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of JOY for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness." ~ Isaiah 61:3
After coming to Jesus at the age of 15 this was one of the very first scriptures that I believe the Holy Spirit led me to.
'Beauty for Ashes' ~ He taught me that real beauty comes from within. Jesus took my ashes, shame and guilt and in place filled me His beauty.
'The oil of Joy for mourning' ~ The first time I was touched with His oil of joy, I laughed and cried for 2 hours straight. That oil was and still remains to be a healing balm to my soul.
'The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness' ~ The Lord showed me early the gift of the garment of praise. The garment is always there, I just have to put in on, no matter what the circumstances. This garment is truly what carries me through the valleys and when I am broken.
I love the thought that we can be 'trees of righteousness'.
Sometimes I feel so feeble, I say things that I shouldn't, I can be quick to anger, argumentative and selfish in my thoughts at times. Then I get annoyed that I got so easily entangled in sin.
This is how I felt this morning!
Even after repenting before my God, I still feel a little broken and guilty, then the Lord leads me to this beautiful post and once again He gives me beauty for ashes and joy for mourning and I just sensed His mercy and forgiveness.
I don't about you, but I need the Lord.
He is my strength and shield,
My healer and provider,
My counsellor and comforter.,
He is my all in all!
Oh Sarah, this Christian walk is a journey that we take step by step.
ReplyDeleteSome days we get it right!...while other days, we respond in the flesh :(
Praying that Our Lord continues to guide your everyday.
Maria.
Sarah, this is such a beautiful post. My heart is enjoying the picture of PRAISE being a garment we put on. I love how the Lord orchestrated our failings and our victories to praise Him together across the miles. Feeling the presence of your faith and encouragement in my heart today, sister!
ReplyDeleteI love your honesty and transparency Sarah.
ReplyDeleteWe serve a wonderful God! He is so patient with us and loves us with an everlasting love!
I love this post Sarah! And I so understand!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this verse too!
It has so much in it! Healing indeed! God is so good!
Love,
Leanne
Oh Sarah, what a beautiful post! Truly from the heart.The Lord is gracious and compassionate. You are a beautiful person. I am so glad I know you.
ReplyDeleteI love this song too. Have you ever heard of Chrystal Lewis Beauty for ashes song? You might not since you are a lot younger than I am, LOL. Wow, that's telling my age, he, he.
((((hugs))
Katia
What a beautiful post. No matter how many times we slip backwards, and we all do, some more than others, God is always there with hand out ready to pull us back. A patient God and a lovely God.
ReplyDeleteBlessings dear blogging friend