Isaiah 61:3 declares this profound biblical truth, “….for those 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 despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”
This passage of text paints a beautiful picture of what Christ can do for the mourning people of Israel and the ones hurting today. When we examine or unpack this verse, we learn that Christ is the joy-giver. He gives a joy that extends beyond the surface pain, sufferings, and grief. Christ releases us from the bondage that sorrow brings.
Let’s be honest, Our pain, sufferings, and grief can leave us feeling defeated. It’s only when we fully trust God and completely turn ourselves over to God, our view of the trouble and sorrow of life changes. The circumstances may remain the same, but we change the lens we look through.
My beautiful wife Kimberly Blair Pinnock recently said to me, “The view from the sky is so much different than our view on the ground.” If my beloved twin brother could testify, I am pretty darn sure he would agree with his SNL.
Undoubtedly, God can take what we believe to be the worst of circumstances and turn it into something great. If you don’t believe me look at the grape, diamond, olive and seed. We have hope for coming out on the other side of sorrow with shouts of praise for our Lord.
Through the Blood of Christ, we can carry our sorrows to the sanctuary at the foot of the cross and leave them there. Also in Christ, we have been granted permission to trust God and when we do that, we can walk away with shouts of praise for the one true God. We can put on our new headdress and bright colored garments for all to see what God has done for us and what he can do for them.
4GIVEN 