Isaiah 61:3 / The Living Bible - "To all who mourn ... he will give: beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness. For God has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory"
How many thoughts does the human brain conceive in an hour? In a day? In a lifetime? How many of those thoughts are about God: who he is and what he has done for his children? Imagine your own thoughts about life - grocery lists, dentist appointments, song lyrics, school, children's daycare, lost keys - and your thoughts about God - his majesty, holiness, comfort, creativity - weighed against each other on a scale. Likely, it would tip in favor of the many details of human existence.
These temporary details overshadow the one comfort and promise we can rely on: the gospel of Jesus' birth, death, resurrection, and ascension for our eternal salvation. Wipe every utter thought away and we are left with this truth. For those burdened by their sin it is of great comfort! Jesus came to give us new life!
You are not a weak sapling, limited by inadequate light and meager nourishment. You are a strong and graceful oak, soaring and resilient for the glory of God. Ashes and mourning and heavy burdens are relieved. The scales tip to this one weighty thought: you are his.
ReplyDeleteLet your thoughts stretch above the canopy of everyday human details to bask in this joy: he has given you everything you need in Jesus. How does this thought bring you relief today?