Last week I shared with you how I had broken my arm and how God used my physical brokenness to reveal some “broken” parts in my spiritual “body.”
Not only that, the Spirit of God lead me to brokenness before Him. By that, I mean a state of humility and repentance as I stood before His holiness.
My sin is not okay as I stand and live in His Presence. I had to confess and turn from my selfish ways in these discreet areas that God’s truth revealed in my heart. Being broken is not fun, and, ladies, it is painful. However, what follows our brokenness before God is supposed to be beautiful.
Isaiah 61:1-4 says,
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. (NIV)
Good news for the poor (me, I am spiritually poor before God as I cling to selfish desires).
Freedom for those captives; release from darkness!
Comfort for those who mourn (me – I must mourn over my sin or be in grief over it). I want comfort. Praise God for Jesus who is our comfort!
Beauty instead of ashes. My sin laid at the feet of Jesus is traded for beauty! Yes!
Gladness instead of mourning.
Praise traded for despair.
Whoa. I am broken and God in His mercy gives me all of this.
Amazing. Amazing, beautiful grace.
Now that I am broken before my Holy Savior I am able to allow His continued life-transforming work in my life. I am ready to be used in ways I never thought of for His glory.
Did you see the last line of verse four above?
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.
I am a mighty oak (still growing toward maturity but nonetheless a planting for the Lord).
Why?
For the display of His splendor.
That is the “Now What” in my title. Encouraging and awe-inspiring.
Rise from the ashes of your brokenness and every time you will display His splendor.
Praying for you and your marriages to display the splendor of our gracious Lord,
Kim
Photo from itsnature.org via Pinterest