Isn't spring wonderful? The feeling of new life is in the air! God is faithfully transitioning us out of the cold, barren months of winter and renewing and reenergizing us! That reality is the subject of Isaiah 61. I'm sitting in on verses 1 through 7 today, soaking in what God is saying. What do you hear? If you can, take a few minutes to write it down so that you can reflect back on it later. For me . . .
The Spirit of the sovereign LORD is on me . . . 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. (v. 1, 3)
God, you are one who lifts up the fallen. You are the God who brings new joy out of deepest grief, who turns our seasons of despair into powerful testimonies of praise for your deliverance!
This is the Lord I serve. I have no need to despair. If I am living with "a spirit of despair" I am outside God's will for my life. Jesus has come to take away that spirit of despair and replace it with a new look for a brand new me. He refers to it as "a garment of praise." To go along with that he's giving me a crown to wear--"a crown of beauty" that finds its source in my relationship with him. And then he wants to anoint my head with "the oil of gladness." Today that sounds like it would make for some seriously greasy hair! In their arid climate it was like a spa treatment. It was a sensory experience of feeling God's favor poured out on their heads, a sign that a big party was in progress in their honor.
That's the new wardrobe he's giving me to wear to the party he's throwing for me! Dark and anxious days are part of life, yet the true God specializes in turn-arounds. Even through death he promises resurrection! His ultimate plans for me are not for despair but for celebration! It's such an honor, almighty God, that you would have my well-being so high on your list of priorities. I'm going to live in your joy today! Amen.
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Sigh how I needed this today, my first day back at work after a 3 week absence. I went in this morning with such joy! I spent my hour in traffic with God, just talking, visiting....getting geared up. By the time I left at 1:30 I was in despair, confused and feeling overwhelmed. I got to my car and the first song on the radio was one of my FAVORITES.... "In spite of it all I'm still trusting You Lord" and I thought to myself, this is NOT the spirit God has given me. He has called me to be His child. I have the victory already in Jesus Christ, not in what the world says! Satan is the author of confusion and he has NO new tricks, just the same old ones. I will take that garment of praise, that crown of beauty and the oil of gladness and I claim that, in Jesus' name. I am what God says I am, I have what God says I have and He knows the plans of my life, bumps and all. He sees it all, and loves me still. What an AWESOME God we serve!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless!
Kristal
I really needed this one today. Have been feeling quite a bit down lately. Thanks for reminding me God has a plan for me and I just need to sit back and enjoy the journey. :-)
ReplyDeleteHe most definitely has a good plan for you! You've got to trust him for that. It may seem like life is going nowhere, the things you long for aren't coming your way. But just wait! In HIS time he will make it happen. Why the wait? You may not see it now but he does. He's preparing you. Or he's preparing someone else for you. He promises that your future is going to be so bright!
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