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.
I love that…beauty from ashes. It can be difficult when going through a trial to see the beauty, but God never wastes a hurt. He ALWAYS brings something good through our challenges!
Blessings, Joan
So true Joan! Thanks for reading.
Thanks for writing this Barbie. It is reaching into some spots in my life that I need to look at differently. Really beautifully expressed my friend.
Susie
Thank you Susie! Praying you’re having a blessed week!
God is certainly a pro at turning ashes into beauty, making something out of nothing. Love this, Barbie.
Thanks Dayle! We can trust Him to turn the hardest of times into JOY!
Who among us in our natural minds could begin to see beauty in the midst of ashes? Grateful for God that opens our eyes to see beyond what we see naturally with our eyes.
Oh AMEN! Thanks Wanda!
Beautiful Barbie, love it. I too can finally say thank you for the ashes, he turns ashes into beauty!
Yes HE does Jennifer. It’s His specialty!
Loved this…needed it. so appreciate you, Barbie! {HUGS}
Love you Nikki! Hope you are doing well!
Hi Barbie,
Oh that verse, what an awesome God we serve!! Hallelujah! I am thankful for a God who loves and showers me with blessings and then I in turn with that grace can love others.
Oh, so thankful you shared gratitude for God’s awesomeness during your rough seasons. Also thankful God allowed our paths to cross so we could get to know one another and become such lovely friends. 🙂
Barbie, I love this sweet rendering of names and that image is stunning. It’s you, right? It looks like you. Beauty for ashes, YES. We had that sung by friends for our wedding day…tears- with you, on this whole theme and thought process!