“to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:3, ESV)
Isaiah says that those who grieve and mourn will be given a beautiful headdress (used for weddings) in place of ashes (used for funerals). He says they will be given a garment of praise instead of a faint spirit. So often our spirits are broken. We might want to cry. We are worn down and worn out. We may not want to do anything but wallow in our grief.
But God invites us to put on a garment of praise instead of a faint spirit. It is to worship when we don’t feel like worshiping. It is to sing a song when I don’t feel like singing. It is to lift my hands when I don’t feel like lifting my hands. It is to dance when I don’t feel like dancing. It is to praise him in the “mourning.”
I recently received some difficult news. It was something that broke my spirit. I was heartbroken and grieved. I sat in my office not sure what to do. I didn’t want to do anything, but crawl into a corner and hide.
But I had a worship playlist on Spotify. The song that came on was Psalm 92 (It Is Good) by Paul Baloche (YouTube / iTunes / Amazon). Here are the lyrics:
It is good to praise You Lord.
And make music to Your name Oh Most high.
To proclaim Your love in the morning.
And Your faithfulness at night.
Oh, oh, oh, I sing for joy
at the sound of Your name
at the work of Your hands
Oh, oh, oh, You make me glad
And for all of my life
Let my song to You Rise.
I stopped. I started singing. I started praising God. I felt my soul and my spirit being revived. It didn’t take away from the bad news. But it was a reminder that God is in control. It was a reminder that he loves me and that he will use every situation for his good purposes.
I was sad, but I was joyful. The peace of God came over me. I had a song in my heart and a Savior who would walk with me through the valley. Worship may not change your circumstance, but it will change your perspective.
Reflection
- When was a time worship reoriented you and changed your perspective?
- Do you need to praise God now?
Prayer
Lord, I will sing your praises as long as I live. Thank you for being my God and my Savior. You are good and your love endures. Your mercies are new every morning. You walk with me through the valley. You shine light into my darkness. You turn my sorrow to praise. Amen.
shortstory4all says
Well Expressed
Ellen says
I’m so sorry to read that you’ve received news that made you sad. Your devotionals always make my day brighter and I look forward to them with anticipation each morning. Thank you for the joy you bring me – and countless others – every day. You have prayed for me many times and I can’t tell you how much it meant to me. (There are no words that can adequately express my gratitude.) Now, I will be will be praying you for your family. Peace be with you! ❤️