RISING FROM THE ASHES
As we hold a moment of silence in observance of the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks on the United States, let us remember all those who lost their lives when our nation was attacked and the bravery shown by so many on that tragic day. However, twenty-three years later, we have shown resilience by rising strongly from the ashes.
Sometimes, circumstances in our lives may make us feel overwhelmed, frustrated, discouraged, or even depressed. However, God’s love is not dependent on our situation.
His love for us is unchanging, and His promises are true, and because of this, we can rise above our failures.
Maya Angelo said it best in her poem – “Still I Rise”:
“You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.”
In order for us to rise from the ashes, we must be committed to God’s word, stay in constant prayer, have fellowship with other believers, and, no matter what life brings our way, keep fighting and never give up. We can trust that God is with us through death, loss, and pain, providing for our needs and a Savior to wash and rebuild our souls.
Isaiah 61:3 KJV says, “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.”
When we experience difficult or even devastating events, we may be tempted to wonder if things will ever be right – if we will ever be happy again. Remember, we serve a God who transforms the past, replacing mourning with joy and sadness with praise. There are no circumstances which dictate that we are doomed to a life of regret and emptiness. Instead, God promises that as we come to Him, He will replace our pain with purpose – and even joy.
The scripture verse (Isaiah 61:3) paints a beautiful picture of what Christ did for the mourning people of Israel and those who are hurting today. When we examine the verse, we learn that Christ is the joy-giver. He gives a joy that extends beyond the surface. Christ releases us from the bondage that sorrow brings.
So, let us find the hope, joy, and strength that is abundant in God as we read His Word and trust Him. No matter what comes our way, we can choose a heart of praise and thanksgiving for our Creator, who loves us deeply. Through the resurrecting fire of the Holy Spirit, God takes the ashes of our lives and creates beauty.
Faith Step: God can replace the ashes of painful events in our past with His beauty as we trust Him with our circumstances.
Prayer:
Heavenly and most gracious Father, give us the strength to rise from the ashes. Teach us O Lord to walk boldly with our heads lifted up because you are our ABBA Father. Remind us daily that we are children of the Most High King, which means that we are royalty. O God, we praise your Holy Name, and we trust you to turn our ashes into beauty. O God, let us not only rise strong, but also let us remember always to give you the glory for our life’s journey. In Jesus’ Name, we Pray, Amen.
Sometimes, circumstances in our lives may make us feel overwhelmed, frustrated, discouraged, or even depressed. However, God’s love is not dependent on our situation.
His love for us is unchanging, and His promises are true, and because of this, we can rise above our failures.
Maya Angelo said it best in her poem – “Still I Rise”:
“You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.”
In order for us to rise from the ashes, we must be committed to God’s word, stay in constant prayer, have fellowship with other believers, and, no matter what life brings our way, keep fighting and never give up. We can trust that God is with us through death, loss, and pain, providing for our needs and a Savior to wash and rebuild our souls.
Isaiah 61:3 KJV says, “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.”
When we experience difficult or even devastating events, we may be tempted to wonder if things will ever be right – if we will ever be happy again. Remember, we serve a God who transforms the past, replacing mourning with joy and sadness with praise. There are no circumstances which dictate that we are doomed to a life of regret and emptiness. Instead, God promises that as we come to Him, He will replace our pain with purpose – and even joy.
The scripture verse (Isaiah 61:3) paints a beautiful picture of what Christ did for the mourning people of Israel and those who are hurting today. When we examine the verse, we learn that Christ is the joy-giver. He gives a joy that extends beyond the surface. Christ releases us from the bondage that sorrow brings.
So, let us find the hope, joy, and strength that is abundant in God as we read His Word and trust Him. No matter what comes our way, we can choose a heart of praise and thanksgiving for our Creator, who loves us deeply. Through the resurrecting fire of the Holy Spirit, God takes the ashes of our lives and creates beauty.
Faith Step: God can replace the ashes of painful events in our past with His beauty as we trust Him with our circumstances.
Prayer:
Heavenly and most gracious Father, give us the strength to rise from the ashes. Teach us O Lord to walk boldly with our heads lifted up because you are our ABBA Father. Remind us daily that we are children of the Most High King, which means that we are royalty. O God, we praise your Holy Name, and we trust you to turn our ashes into beauty. O God, let us not only rise strong, but also let us remember always to give you the glory for our life’s journey. In Jesus’ Name, we Pray, Amen.
Posted in Mid-Week Devotional
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