Sometimes life feels like a great battlefield and all you can see are the wounded, the destruction, the hopelessness, but today I am reminded that in the midst of that great battlefield there are areas that are left undamaged and are flourishing beautifully.
In every moment of every day we have a choice. We can either see the destruction or the growth. We can either see people as wounded or refined. And the other choice we have is to see both.
At times in my life all I could see was the destruction and devastation. I didn't look for the beauty that would rise up out of it. At times in my life I have seen only the wounds and scars on a person's life and missed their refinement to become like Jesus.
Isaiah 61:1-3 has become one of my favorite passages over the last year because it shows both perspectives. It is important to see the ashes, but always look for the crown of beauty to follow.
Isaiah 61:1-3New International Version (NIV)
The Year of the Lord’s Favor
61 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
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.
In every moment of every day we have a choice. We can either see the destruction or the growth. We can either see people as wounded or refined. And the other choice we have is to see both.
At times in my life all I could see was the destruction and devastation. I didn't look for the beauty that would rise up out of it. At times in my life I have seen only the wounds and scars on a person's life and missed their refinement to become like Jesus.
Isaiah 61:1-3 has become one of my favorite passages over the last year because it shows both perspectives. It is important to see the ashes, but always look for the crown of beauty to follow.
Isaiah 61:1-3New International Version (NIV)
The Year of the Lord’s Favor
61 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
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.
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