Isaiah 61:3
Wednesday, March 12th, 2008The Lord says through the prophet that He is anointed to:
“…console those who mourn in Zion,
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,
The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”
Have a beautiful Wednesday!
Isaiah 61:3
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March 12th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
I hope it helps to know that the Lord will console and encourage us in our low times because He loves us, but He also has another motivation - He gets glory by consoling and encouraging a broken believer!
He heals our hearts for our sake, and His!
PG
March 13th, 2008 at 7:27 am
this was a good verse today since it was only a month ago that my Father went to Heavan, grief is tricky and sometimes comes from unexpected areas.
March 18th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Pastor George, though I’ve fallen a bit behind in reading my VOTD’s this week, this one was good for today, 3/18. We’re in the midst of a family crisis with a rebellious teenage daughter. To relate to the verse, we feel buried in the ashes of the wrecked relationship and crushed by that spirit of heaviness. I’m searching Psalms as well as we have trouble holding onto God’s promises like this when he seems so silent and absent in response to our prayers. What weak faith we have, eh?
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March 18th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
To Bryan, I just read your comment. Interestingly, my father went to heaven Feb. 13, 2007 — sounds like exactly one year before your Dad’s death. I agree with you that grief is tricky. Of course we’re told to grieve not like those without faith, but apparently are allowed to grieve our losses. Though moving on, as we must, the feeling of loss, even temporary, is still very real, no doubt about that. No other insights, but I felt a connection here and wanted to comment. Weak as my prayers seem to be these days, I’ve offered one for you as you miss your Dad.
March 20th, 2008 at 9:01 am
John,
One thing to consider is that God may be “silent and absent” regarding our prayers, but He never is regarding our situation! He’s always interceding and working on our behalf.
I’m almost at the end of a 6 year rebellion period - my son is now 20. I know how difficult that is. At the present I have very little to share with you in terms of a happy ending but we have to stay hopeful. The only thing to do is wait upon the Lord. I always encourage folks by saying its just a testimony in the making! Keep looking forward to the day you can share that testimony!
Blessings! Galatians 6:9!
Pastor George
March 20th, 2008 at 9:44 am
I felt I had to offer a word of encouragement for John K.
Remember that even in the dark days when God doesn’t seem near He always is caring for us. Trials often come to make us stronger in our faith and are according to His perfect plan. He always hears our prayers and understands, always remember that.
Dave
March 20th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Brothers, Thank you both for the encouragement. It helps. I will keep your counsel in mind and try not to “grow weary” while working for that harvest! And Geo., I’ll pray for your situation as well. Thanks again for the responses. -John