~ Isaiah 61:3, "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified"
I found it interesting that word Zion means "parched Place". It is used also when referring to Jerusalem in Biblical times. But, for a moment think about it in the terms of "parched place". When we think of parched, we think of something dry, dehydrated and drained. We have all been at a place like...a place that leaves us feeling dry, dehydrated and drained either physically, emotionally or spiritually. But, it is so encouraging to know that during those times, God has a relief for us.
Beauty for ashes. Ashes in this verse is define in the Hebrew Lexicon as “worthlessness”. Have you ever had the feeling that you are worthless? Or, That you are useless or not capable of being used for Him? In Biblical times, it was common to put on a sackcloth during a times of mourning or deep repentance and humility. And, they would dust ashes on their head to symbolize the feeling of distress of mind caused by humiliation, disappointment, or failure that they felt. But, in times of rejoicing and joy, it was also common for them to wear an ornamental headdress and dance. God wants to take the feelings/thoughts or worthlessness and uselessness from your thinking and replace them with joy and rejoicing.
Oil of joy for mourning. In Biblical times, oil was often used for anointing. God wants to anoint you with a joy and rejoicing that washes away the sorrow, sadness and mental pain.
Garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. During those times when your heart is heavy and darkness tries to surround you. God wants to wrap you in a spirit of praise and thanksgiving that shines through the darkness and pierces through he fog of heaviness.
That they might be called trees of righteousness. When we see a mighty. strong tree, the things that come to mind is that its root system runs deep. That root system runs deep not only to keep it strong and firmly in place but so that it can seek out a source of water. During the times that we are feeling parched in our bodies, spirit or mind He steps in and does all these things for us so that we can become strong, firmly rooted and grounded in Him. That way, we can begin to grow and flourish producing good fruit.
The planting of the Lord. He has planted us in a particular place for a purpose. And, that purpose is so that we can grow stronger and be used for His glory. I read a saying the other day that said, “My life may not be going the way I want it to go, BUT, it is going exactly how God wants it to go.” Our plans are so different from His. In Isaiah 55:9, God says, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” His thoughts and ways extend a great distance upward compared to our thoughts and ways. His plans and purpose for our life will take us up higher than if we did things our own way.
That He might be glorified. In 1 Peter 1:7-9it says, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth , though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen , ye love ; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing , ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” The trials or parched times that we go through are perfecting and purifying our faith. So that we can come forth shining like gold and He will get the glory, honor and praise. In Matthew 5:1, it says, “Let your light so shine before men that they might see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” When God helps you to have the beauty, oil of joy and garment praise, not only is it making you stronger and allowing your faith to grow, it is allowing Him to shine through you so that it can be testimony of His great power. Others will see this and want what you have! What an awesome opportunity to make a difference the lives around you!
I am SO thankful that God has planted me right where He wants me to be. And, that He is there to helps grow strong like a mighty tree and that His power rehydrates me during those parched times. What an AWESOME God I serve! ♥
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