Beauty For Ashes

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 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 61:1-3)

Has your heart been broken? Does something hold you captive? Are you prisoner to your past? Perhaps you are incarcerated behind real prison bars. Where do you go? To whom do you turn for comfort, guidance or deliverance?

This is the acceptable year of the Lord! Jesus is calling out to you today. Life’s experiences would leave your heart crushed. Your defenses would leave scar tissue over the wound, and build a fortress to protect your heart from ever being hurt again.

Jesus extends His hand to you. Only He can put the pieces back together. Only His love can close up the wounds and heal your broken heart. Only His Holy Spirit can draw out the poisonous infection that has tried to spread through your being.

I ask you to call out to Jesus today. This is the day that He is calling out to you. Lay the wrongs of your life at His feet. Let Him fight against the injustice done to you. Receive His comfort and let His hands dry your tears. Out of the broken waste places and ashes, He will give you beauty. He will restore your joy. He will clothe you with robes of righteousness. He will plant, establish and strengthen you.

This is His promise to you. Receive it. Open your heart yet one more time … to Jesus. He loves you. He will lead you beside still waters. You will lie down in green pastures. He will restore your soul and the joy of His salvation.