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."
This is a prophecy that is very relevant for today for those who are faithful to the Lord, heeding His admonitions, repenting of our ungodly ways, and turning to Him. These promises are recorded by Isaiah for the entire world in the future and can be yours and mine today.
This imagery of ashes Isaiah refers to is ashes that people put on their heads and covered the sackcloth they wore when in mourning. This verse is telling us that God will gift us a beautiful life in Him. He will give us His grace, joy, and comfort in place of the consuming destruction we have faced in our life. Oil was used as a gift to pour on the heads of people during times of rejoicing and at festivals. The joy of His salvation is a very costly and precious gift being given freely to us who accept it. His garment of praise will be given to heal the spirit of heaviness, discouragement, and failure. All these things He wants to gift to us so we will be strongly rooted in Him; having good fruit, growing strong to stand against the enemy, and bring unwavering glory to our Lord! He brings us through the fight and gives us a new lease on life!
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