Thankful For Hard Places

To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor. (Isaiah 61:3 NIV)

It’s taken me a while to admit that I am thankful for the ashes in my life. I haven’t always seen beauty there, but the Lord is teaching me to see, with eyes wide open, the beauty that can grow out of hard places.

• Thank You, Lord, that in a season of financial uncertainty, You reveal yourself to me as Jehovah-Jireh, my Provider.
• Thank You, Lord, that in sickness and pain, You reveal yourself to me as Jehovah-Rapha, My Healer.
• Thank You, Lord, that through fear and trials, You reveal yourself to me as Jehovah-Shalom, My Peace.
• Thank You, Lord, that when I cannot see the path ahead, You reveal Yourself to me as Jehovah-Raah, My Shepherd.
• Thank You, Lord, that when I put myself in harm’s way, You reveal Yourself to me ass Jehovah-Shammah, the Lord of Hosts, My Protector.

Are you living in a season where the ashes in your life are most visible? Allow me to encourage your heart. He WILL give you beauty for ashes. He WILL fill you with joy and YOU will put on the garment of praise! It is a promise from the Lord!

What are you thankful for today, my friends? I would love for you to share in the comments below. Join me on Facebook during the month of November me and other Five Minute for Faith writers give thanks for all that He has done and is doing in our lives.