9-10-07 Isaiah 61:3

Isaiah 61:3 (NAS)
To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)
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.

There may be times when you face calamity and death, when you mourn and lament. However, the Lord God has not appointed you to remain in this state. For these distressing times, Jehovah has ordained His glory and beauty to adorn your head. He has given you ornaments for the ashes and worthless things that you have experienced. Instead of mourning, Adonai has anointed you with the oil of gladness, joy, and exultation.

The Lord has wrapped you in His very own mantle. Although your life was dark, dim and colorless, now you are full of songs of praise and thanksgiving. Your boasting in the Lord causes you to shine. You are no longer faint and weak.

Adonai calls you a mighty tree, one that He Himself has planted. Through Him you have been fixed and established. He has made you a strong and righteous; you are a leader and chief in His kingdom. You are one of the Lord's nobles and He has given you prominence and wealth. Your life brings Him glory.