Monday, January 10, 2011

Beauty for Ashes







"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!




6 comments:

  1. Oh Sarah, this Christian walk is a journey that we take step by step.

    Some days we get it right!...while other days, we respond in the flesh :(

    Praying that Our Lord continues to guide your everyday.

    Maria.

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  2. 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!

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  3. I love your honesty and transparency Sarah.
    We serve a wonderful God! He is so patient with us and loves us with an everlasting love!

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  4. I love this post Sarah! And I so understand!
    Thank you for sharing this verse too!
    It has so much in it! Healing indeed! God is so good!

    Love,
    Leanne

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  5. 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.

    I 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

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  6. 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.

    Blessings dear blogging friend

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