Beauty for Ashes

     When life spins out of control, it is easy to forget God is still there. He is in control when we are not. As humans, we seek to know why? What is next? What can I do to make this go away? As Christians, we know where to turn, even when we don’t understand. Jesus does. As we go back again and again in surrender, as we worship Him, even when we are lost and confused, He will take the reins of our lives again. When we are weary, He opens His arms.

     Worship Him this morning, even if you don’t feel like it. The Bible calls it a “sacrifice of praise.”

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that openly profess His name. Hebrews 13:15

     And when we worship Him, it focuses our eyes on things above, not on our circumstances. And God tells us as we praise, He will lift our despair.

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

     How beautiful are the ways of God! He replaces beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, praise for despair. Turn to Him and allow Him to find a way.

Jesus,

Your promises lift us up out of the dark into Your glorious light. We turn to You no matter where we are on this day. Give us hope and joy and praise. We want to display Your splendor to the world.

Amen