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. ISAIAH 61:3
God sees we are dust and as we groan and travail in this life reaching for Righteousness and experiencing frequent falls on our face, He gives us Hope. Hope in that as we become painfully aware of our weakness and failures, our inability to please Him, we repent and call out for mercy. He faithfully answers and provides not only mercy, but grace. Mercy provided by the Blood of Jesus, washing perfectly clean, never giving us what we deserve. Grace that is sufficient to right all wrongs in His justice and in His perfect timetable.
Beauty, the oil of joy, a garment of praise--not because we earn or deserve it but--that He might be glorified. Mighty God! Holy, holy, holy is He who was and is and is to come! Lord, may I always seek You and Your righteousness--there is none other that can be desired in comparison. Be glorified in me today, inspite of myself and my failures. If You can do that, (and I know You can), You will show Yourself to be omnipetent and Your love perfect. Make me Your planting, Your garden Lord. I will never cease to give praise to Your name. You alone are God.
