To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion,
give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes,
Messages of joy instead of news of doom,
a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.
Rename them “Oaks of Righteousness”
planted by God to display his glory. Isaiah 61:3 The Message Bible
When I was a kid we used to sing the song I’m a little teapot short and stout, here is my handle, here is my spout. When I get all steamed up then I shout, tip me over pour me out! I guess I can identify with that song because I am short and stout and I do at times get all steamed up and I do shout. But I don’t just shout anything, I’ve learned to sing and shout words of praise and encouragement to my soul. I learned to do this when I heard a pastor say, “when you’re up to your neck in hot water, be like the teapot and sing!” So I tried it, and you know what? It worked! The very first song I sang out was Shout to the Lord. It didn’t change my circumstance, but it changed how I viewed it, what I thought about it and how I felt.
The words in this passage for today are the words Jesus spoke in Luke 4:18-19 to fulfill prophecy. When we look to Jesus and cry out to Him instead of what’s going on around us, He will come to us. He is the only One who can truly help us see beauty in times of loss (any kind), we will be able to experience joy even in the midst of negative reports. Remembering His goodness in times past and thanking Him for them will revive our spirits. And before we know it instead of walking around like we’ve lost our last friend, we will begin to stand up, not in our own strength, but by His Holy Spirit in us. We will be grounded in the truth of His Word and His glory light will radiate from us for all to see.
Perhaps you’re saying, that’s great Colette, but I don’t know Jesus like you do. Then I have even better news for you today, you can. All you have to do is pray this prayer: Jesus I’m so tired of trying to live this life under my own power. I believe you are the Son of God and came to die on the cross, not only to forgive me of my sins that drain me and keep me bound; and you to give me Your resurrection power to help me live my life through Your love and grace. Thank you Jesus, today I receive the amazing gift of Yourself to walk with me through this life on a daily basis. Amen.
If you have prayed that we ask that you contact us, we would love to send you a gift help you learn more about your new relationship with Jesus.
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