Isaiah 61:3- to provide for those who mourn in Zion (meaning God’s spiritual or heavenly kingdom); to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning, and splendid clothes instead of despair. And they will be called righteous trees, planted by the Lord to glorify Him.
There is a lot of mourning and heaviness in the world right now. For those who have been believers for a long time; the amount attacks happening on every corner feels unreal most days. We know the devil seeks to kill and destroy. We feel it. We know it. We also know we cannot blame everything on the devil. We also make poor choices which can result in hard consequences. I am speaking more to the uncontrolled, unexpected heaviness here.
Some other elements broken down in this verse is that God replaces the wreckage, grief and dust of mourning with honor, healing, and dignity. The oil of joy is a symbol of gladness, healing and the comforting presence of God’s Spirit instead of deep sorrow. This speaks to my heart We know joy comes in the morning; we also know heaviness can also come in the morning. How do we combat the heaviness that can weigh us down so easily? Including daily disciplines can keep the steps moving such as a walk in the sunshine, reading the Word, checking in with a trusted friend. There has to be intention or the day will be aimless and have no purpose. I did it this today. I did not want to go for a walk. Everything in my brain and body was telling me to forget it. This is when we can NEVER rely on motivation to keep us going. It is not reliable. The daily discipline of not thinking and just doing is the muscle we have to continually exercise not only as humans but as Christians. Do you always want to sit down and read your Bible? Are you always eager to do so? No, but we do it. We do it, because we know the alternative will not serve us in healthy ways or glorify our Father which is in Heaven.
Despair is going to come. Heaviness is going to come. Hopelessness will rear its ugly head and try to convince you there is nothing else. The weaving of daily human disciplines are essential. Make a list of things you will not compromise on, and make the contract with yourself. This isn’t a set you up to fail thing; this is an accountability practice to keep yourself moving in a healthy and happy direction. We get the awesome privilege to serve our almighty Father and show others what being joyful Christian looks life in a challenging , sinful world. How awesome! There are people who could be killed for reading the Bible or proclaiming their stand for Christ. Go today knowing joy and pain can exist in the same space. There is nothing easy about this life, but it is worth fighting for. It is worth is for YOU and your family and your friends. God promised we would one day live forever with him. I believe in his promises. Do you?
Be intentional. today. Speak truths out loud to yourself and your family. If rest is what you need, rest. Serve others. Check on your loved ones. Smile at a stranger. There is a time for everything. Know that WE WIN. The heaviness and grief will not last forever. I cannot wait until we see our Savior’s face. Mediate on this beautiful hymn I grew up singing. You are not alone. He is with us. You are loved.
What a Day that will be
There is a coming a day when no heartache shall come, no more clouds in the sky, no more tears to dim the eye, all is peace forevermore, on that happy golden shore, what a day, glorious day that will be
What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see, when I look upon His face, the one who saved me by his grace, when he takes me by the hand and leads me to the Promised Land, what a day, glorious day that will be
There’ll be no sorrows there, no more burdens to bear, no more sickness and no more pain, no more parting over there, and forever I will be, with the one who died for me, what a day, glorious day that will be
Stay close to Him friends. We need him every hour.
Much love,
Em
