An Oak of Righteousness

"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide 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 a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."
Issaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)


This was the focal passage of today's Proverb's 31 devotion. I didn't receive it until after I left for work this morning and therefore did not get a chance to read it until I arrived home this afternoon. The timing of reading it was absolutely perfect, as God's timing always is. It's been an incredible day, an indescribable day! Today has been God's day, a day like no other. I'm just glad He made me a part of it! I am thankful that a long standing prayer has been answered. He truly listened to my voice and heard my cries for mercy! Because He has forgiven me, favored me, and loves me, I in turn want to bestow the same on others. I want to be His vessel for blessing others. I desire to be an oak of righteousness.

Being an oak of righteousness is His desire for each and everyone of us as well. He binds the brokenhearted, frees the captives, and comforts those who grieve. He sets the prisoners of sin, us, free! In wholly surrendering to Christ, He will trade our ashes for beauty, our mourning with gladness, and our replace our despair with praise! He is our perfect Savior!



In His Love, Cathy