Oaks of Righteousness

I have found myself in a season of life and a state of the heart where God's word is new- refreshing-vital- and devastating in many ways to the way that I live my life- the ways in which I view our world.

Today the Lord revealed a portion of scripture to me that truly took my breath away. These three monumental verses of God's word encapsulate the current cry of my heart...my burdens. my desires. The calling that I am confident that the Lord has placed on my heart.

"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring the good news to the poor, he has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all those who mourn; 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 61:1-3


I found myself seeing faces with each passing phrase...poor, broken hearted, faint in spirit, bound, mourning...

The Lord has been ever putting before my heart the calling to love the broken and to be light in darkness.
I have lost sleep. I have cried. I have been ruined by the need for Christ in the lives of so many.

I am an annoyingly visual person.

When I read this passage-I immediately imagined a dark room full of broken people in shackles-Dirty- without energy- without hope. See this with me- a sea of lost and broken people. Life is of no worth. They are doomed.

What joy would come to them if someone ran into the room and shouted with confidence-
"YOU ARE FREE...YOU ARE PARDONED...You are no longer bound..."

With Christ- We have this power. To look into the eyes of those who do not know Savior and tell them of the powerful and sacrificial love of Jesus.

Oh that the Lord would use me in the lives of others to help them see this truth. The truth.

What an incredible privilege it would be to watch a broken spirit transformed into an oak of righteousness- solely for name sake of Jesus Christ!


Father-
Thank you for reminding me today that it is by Your grace and mercy alone that I am not still in captivity. Praise your name for turning my ashes into beauty for the sake of furthering Your kingdom. Instill in me the boldness and clarity of mind to be intentional in seeking out the faint in spirit and sharing with them the hope that can be found in you. Sweet Jesus- draw me to yourself so that I might make much of you with each day that you allow. You are good and just. Thank you for loving me.