To all who mourn in Israel, He will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the LORD has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for His own glory.
Isnt it funny how we forget who we are. We see ourselves through the eyes of the world, and those around us- forgetting that we have had a rebirth- we have been made new creatures- we have been given “new clothes”. We have traded our ashes in for beauty, and the eyes of the world are nothing more than reminders of where we once were- they are meaningless now.
The following quote is from “Devotions for Women” and touches this subject so perfectly:
If we will allow God to place on us a load of JOY and praise, we will begin to sing again; and others, who are also carrying burdens, will listen to our song!
Discussion:
Where is Christ leading you? Have you traded your ashes in for beauty? Have you replaced your mourning with JOY? Do you wear forgiveness like a crown? He wants you to lay every burden down- He died so that you would have a place to lay it- at the foot of the cross…..
One of my most favorite worship songs is “Ashes For Beauty”. It touches at the very core of my heart. Please listen to the words and reflect on where you are in your life today-
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Many times our pride keeps us from letting go. The world is full of voices telling us that to admit a need for help is a sign of weakness.
Beautiful, beautiful song. Thank you for sharing something so inspirational!
Beautiful song. Thank you for sharing.
This was a good reminder to turn things over to God inorder to enjoy the ture Joy He has waiting for us. Thank you
Oh and that song was very pretty.
Heather–answered on my own site. Great thoughts. Thanks for getting me thinking about real joy.
I wandered over to look in on my friend Paula. Though
I am glad to see a web ring which is supportive of Christian women, I miss her blog which examined the place of marriage in a faith context. Before I continue, please let me be very clear that I think the current emphasis and purpose is excellent.
But I have some thoughts which perhaps I may leave here?
In general, when I look at those in my church, those in the faith, I see women as being more Christ-centered, more serious about their faith.
I suspect that it is men who need to be addressed, brought to task, and the implied message in Paula’s “Strand of Three” blog served that purpose… though perhaps not many men visited and read it.
The sorrows of women are worsened because of the failures of men.
Perhaps I am posting these comments because I feel out of place in visiting this blog now… and I miss the warmth of listening in on the conversations of women of faith which were relevant to my gender.
Ah well.
The world is a screwed up place, and I wish I could encourage more men to find a way to see that it is possible to be a man strong and capable, but have a heart which is soft toward our Lord.
God bless.
I wrote about how God used 2006 to heal a lot of my past pain and wounds…definitely turning ashes into beauty mourning into joy.
I just wanted to say, that this has been a journey I have been on for about the last eighteen months. When things happen in our life that we do not understand of God, we rack our brains and wear ourselves out trying to think, rationalize, or explain how God can let this happen. Then when we stop struggling, and decide I will never figure this out but God is still God and I will worship no matter what I know or don’t understand, there is where you begin to find peace. There is where you have laid down your burden and you can rest! There is where I found my struggle released, and the greatest joy and peace I have known in a VERY LONG time!
Thanks for information.
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