A Planting for His Splendor

Isaiah 61

The Year of the LORD's Favor

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on Me [Christ],

because the LORD has anointed Me

to preach 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,
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 [us] who grieve in Zion—

to bestow on them a crown of beauty

instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness

instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise

instead of a spirit of despair.

They [we] will be called oaks of righteousness,

a planting of the LORD

for the display of His splendor.
4 They [we] will rebuild the ancient ruins

and restore the places long devastated;

they will renew the ruined cities

that have been devastated for generations. [emphasis mine]

So many are in despair this week because of being focused on their circumstances - rather than on the God of the Universe who sent His own Son [Jesus Christ] to heal and restore. When will be stop believing the lies of the evil one - who says, "nothing can be restored" - his lies say that, "things are too long devastated to be restored"? BUT GOD - says otherwise.

Look what Christ came to do:

• Preach
• Bind up
• Proclaim Freedom
• Release
• Comfort
• Provide
• Bestow Beauty

When we allow Christ to do that in our lives - then we become those Oaks of Righteousness - A Planting of the LORD - for the display of His Splendor! Wow! Can you even take that in?

I've shared this passage often and have written about it before. It is important to grasp and to live out. If you are depressed over your circumstances - bring them back to Christ - and let Him replace your despair with a garment of Praise - for where there is PRAISE - there can be no despair or depression! Try it - it works!

The results? He will rebuild, restore and renew what the enemy has stolen. Praise Him now!

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie