Blessings!
Today’s Promise is Isaiah 61:3 NKJV:
“To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
Devotion:
This is why Jesus came. Not to condemn us, but to renew us once we were humbled by the realization of our sinfulness. It’s tempting to read this as some future event, when Jesus returns. But read it again. This time seeing each promise as a tool, or even weapon, for combating each affliction. The garment of praise has the power to crush any attack of the enemy. But you must put it on. Praising God when the enemy is smothering you with grief, worry, fear, or depression is one of the most difficult things to do. That is why it’s called a “sacrifice of praise.” That is why it’s so powerful. When God’s people take up the weapons Jesus placed in our hands and use them with authority, we go from victim to victor. Trees of righteousness. And God is glorified in us!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, You know how difficult it is for me to praise You when I’m down. But You have all the grace I need to overcome my self-indulgence, for that is what it is. Grant me more grace to stand against the wiles of the devil, in Jesus’ name. To take my eyes off myself and put them on You and everything You’ve done for me. You are truly worthy of my praise. Amen.
Have a victorious day in the Lord!
Rebecca
